California Firearms Laws 2006

California
Firearms
Laws
2006
California Department of Justice
Bill Lockyer
Attorney General
http://www.ag.ca.gov/
CALIFORNIA FIREARMS LAWS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADDENDUM - SUMMARY OF NEW LAWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Handguns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1. PROHIBITED FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AND RELATED DEVICES . . . 6

short-barreled shotgun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
short-barreled rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
camouflaging firearm container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
cane gun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
wallet gun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
undetectable firearm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
flechette dart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
zip gun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
unconventional pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
multiburst trigger activator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
bullet containing or carrying an explosive agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
dirk or dagger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
nunchaku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
metal knuckle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
hard plastic knuckles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ballistic knife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
shuriken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
belt buckle knife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
lipstick case knife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
cane sword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
shobi-zue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
leaded cane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
air gauge knife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
writing pen knife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
metal military practice handgrenade or metal replica handgrenade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
large capacity magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
California Firearms Laws 2006 i

Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Machineguns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Assault Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Armor-Piercing Bullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Larger Caliber Weapons and Tracer Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Firearm Silencers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Sniperscopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Boobytraps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Flamethrowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2. PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO POSSESS FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION . 21

Persons Convicted of Felonies or Other Specified Crimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Persons Convicted of Misdemeanor Violations of Specified Offenses . . . . . . . . . . 23
Persons Prohibited From Possession, Purchase of Firearms As a Condition of
Probation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Persons Subject to a Protective Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Persons Subject to a Temporary Restraining Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Persons Subject to Juvenile Court Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Mental Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Justifiable Possession of a Firearm by Certain Prohibited Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Personal Firearms Eligibility Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3. THE USE OF FIREARMS IN DEFENSE OF LIFE AND PROPERTY . . . . . 30

Use of a Firearm or Other Deadly Force in Defense of Life and Body . . . . . . . . . . 30
Self-Defense Against Assault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Protecting One’s Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Defense of Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Limitations on the Use of Force in Self-Defense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4. POSSESSION AND TRANSPORTATION OF CONCEALED WEAPONS . . 32

Carrying a Concealed Handgun Without a License on One's Person or
Concealed in a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Licenses to Carry Concealed Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5. LOADED FIREARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Loaded Firearms in a Public Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Firearms in the Home or Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Carrying Unregistered Loaded Handguns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
ii California Firearms Laws 2006

6. FIREARMS AND PICKETING ACTIVITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
General Exceptions Are Not Applicable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
7. FLAREGUNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8. SALES, LOANS, AND OTHER TRANSFERS OF FIREARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Handgun Purchases Limited to One Per 30-Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Handgun Safety, Functionality, and Testing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Sales, Loans, or Transfers of Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Handgun Safety Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Sales, Loans, and Transfers of Firearms by Personal Handgun Importers . . . . . . . . 46
Sales or Transfers of Firearms to Mental Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Sales or Transfers of Firearms or Related Devices to Minors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Sales, Manufacture, Possession, or Transportation of Machineguns . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Use of United States Postal Service, Private Parcel Delivery, or Common Carrier . 49
9. FORFEITURES OF FIREARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forfeiture for Violation of the Penal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forfeiture for Violation of the Fish and Game Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
10. OTHER PROHIBITED ACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Obliteration or Alteration of Firearm Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Firearms on School Grounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Drawing/Exhibiting Loaded Firearm on Juvenile Activities Grounds . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Discharge of Firearms at Inhabited/Occupied Dwellings, Buildings, Vehicles,
Aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Discharge of Firearms at Unoccupied/Uninhabited Aircraft, Unoccupied Motor
Vehicles, Buildings, Dwellings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Discharge of a Firearm From a Motor Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Threatening Acts with Firearms on Public Streets or Highways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Threatening Acts with Imitation Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Threatening Acts With a Laser Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Forfeiture of Vehicles Used in Offenses Involving the Discharge or
California Firearms Laws 2006 iii

Brandishing of a Firearm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Sell or Distribute Imitation Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Advertising of Prohibited Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
11. FIREARM SAFETY INSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Certificate of Completion for Hunting Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Handgun Training for Security Guards, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Firearm Safety and Training Courses Provided by Gun/Shooting Clubs or
Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Handgun Safety Certificate Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Safe Handling and Storage of Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
12. FIREARM SAFETY DEVICE REQUIREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
iv California Firearms Laws 2006

ADDENDUM - SUMMARY OF NEW LAWS
Effective January 1, 2006, the California Firearms Laws booklet is revised to include
amendments to existing code sections of the California Penal Code and Welfare and
Institutions Code and to add new sections as a result of legislative action occurring
during 2005. This addendum only provides a brief summary of these changes. For
more detailed information, please refer to the complete text of the bills available via the
Internet at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/ or you may contact the Legislative Bill Room at
(916) 445-2323 to obtain copies of these bills (order by statute year and chapter
number).
Additional information regarding firearms laws and updated information

regarding firearms issues is available on the Internet at the Department of Justice
(DOJ) Firearms Division web site at http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/.
SB 48 (Stats. 2005, ch. 681) (Scott)
C Changes provisions that traditionally have protected persons, corporations, or

dealers that have been charged with knowingly selling ammunition or reloaded
ammunition to a person under 18 years of age, or knowingly selling ammunition
or reloaded ammunition designed and intended for use in a handgun to a person
under 21 years of age from liability, if the seller relied upon bona fide evidence of
majority and identity, as defined below. Under these changes the element of
“knowing” has been removed from the definition of the offense and has been
replaced by a requirement that the seller reasonably rely upon bona fide evidence
of majority and identity, as defined, during the sale of ammunition or reloaded
ammunition to a purchaser. "Bona fide evidence of majority and identity" means
a document issued by a federal, state, county, or municipal government, or
subdivision or agency thereof, including, but not limited to, a motor vehicle
operator's license, California state identification card, identification card issued to
a member of the armed forces, or other form of identification that bears the name,
date of birth, description, and picture of the person (PC § 12316).
C Allows ammunition vendors to sell ammunition or reloaded ammunition that can

be used in both a rifle and a handgun to persons at least 18 years of age but less
than 21 years of age if the vendor reasonably believes the ammunition is being
acquired for use in a rifle and not a handgun (PC § 12316).
California Firearms Laws 2006 1

SB 269 (Stats. 2005, ch. 683) (Dutton)
C Exempts from unsafe handgun testing, as specified, single-shot pistols with a

barrel length of not less than six inches and an overall length of at least 10 ½
inches when the handle, frame or receiver and barrel are assembled (PC § 12133).
AB 86 (Stats. 2005, ch. 167) (Levine)
C Requires local law enforcement entry of lost or stolen non-serialized property

uniquely inscribed directly into the appropriate DOJ automated system. Requires
the DOJ to retain an automated record of a lost or stolen firearm until the firearm
has been found, recovered, is no longer under observation, or the record is
determined to have been entered in error (PC § 11108).
AB 88 (Stats. 2005, ch. 690) (Koretz)
• Specifies that each illegal assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle unlawfully possessed
by a defendant can be the basis of a separately punishable offense, except as a first
violation that involves one or two guns, subject to certain conditions as specified
(PC § 12280).
AB 1060 (Stats. 2005, ch. 715) (Liu)
C Requires law enforcement agencies to report information related to firearms held

by a law enforcement agency for safekeeping, directly into the Automated
Firearms System (AFS) that is administered and maintained by the DOJ
(PC § 11108).
C Repeals provisions that allowed for the transfer of a firearm through a county
sheriff’s department on a form prescribed by the DOJ, in counties with a
population of less than 200,000 persons (PC § 12084).
C Requires that all firearms that are in the inventory of the licensee be stored within
the licensed location and be secured as specified in (PC § 12071).
2 California Firearms Laws 2006

AB 1288 (Stats. 2005, ch. 702) (Chu)
C Mandates the court presiding over a domestic violence case to issue a protective
order to a defendant that includes a firearms prohibition, where good cause for its
issuance exists, even if the court did not issue a protective order as a result of the
domestic violence charge. Relinquishment of any firearms owned or possessed by
the subject is required (PC § 136.2).
C Allows law enforcement to advise certain domestic violence victims if the state
database reflects that their abuser purchased or possesses a firearm. A victim who
received this information could disclose it to others only to the extent that he or
she believed it necessary to protect himself, herself, or a third party from bodily
harm (PC § 11106).
SB 489 (Stats. 2003, ch. 500) (Scott) (2003 bill - Included due to new provisions
operative 1/1/2006)
C Requires that effective January 1, 2006, no semiautomatic center-fire pistol model

may be added to the roster of handguns certified for sale in California unless it has
a chamber load indicator or, if it has a detachable magazine, a magazine
disconnect mechanism. Also effective January 1, 2006, no rimfire semiautomatic
pistol that has a detachable magazine may be added to the certified list of
handguns for sale in California unless it has a magazine disconnect mechanism.
Handgun models that have placed on the roster prior to the new requirements
becoming operative may remain on the roster without these features
(PC §§ 12126, 12130).

INTRODUCTION
This pamphlet contains a general summary of California laws that govern common
possession and use of firearms by persons other than law enforcement officers, firearms
dealers, or members of the armed forces. It is not designed to provide individual
guidance for specific situations, nor does it attempt to summarize federal law. The
legality of any specific act of possession or use will ultimately be determined by
applicable federal and state statutory and case law. For more information on specific
state statutes, please refer to the full text of the California Penal Code sections
referenced herein, available via the Internet at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/. Persons
having specific questions are encouraged to seek legal advice from an attorney, or
consult their local law enforcement agency or law library. The California Department of
Justice and all other public entities are immune from any liability arising from the
drafting, publication, or dissemination of this pamphlet, or any reliance upon it. (Penal
Code § 12080.)
DEFINITIONS
Firearms
The term firearm includes rifles, shotguns, revolvers, pistols, or any other device
designed to be used as a weapon from which a projectile is expelled by the force of any
explosion or other form of combustion. The term firearm includes the frame or receiver
of any such weapon. (Penal Code § 12001.)
For the purposes of sections 12025 and 12031, the term firearm also includes any rocket,
rocket propelled projectile launcher, or similar device containing any explosive or
incendiary material whether or not the device is designed for emergency or distress
signaling purposes. (Penal Code § 12001.)
Handguns
A handgun is any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the
person that has a barrel length of less than 16 inches. The term also applies to any
device that has a barrel length of 16 inches or more which is designed to be interchanged
with a barrel less than 16 inches. (Penal Code § 12001(a).)

Exceptions
The term firearm does not apply to a federally defined “antique” firearm for the purpose
of dealer licensing requirements, sales or loans between private parties, or requirements
to obtain a Handgun Safety Certificate pursuant to Penal Code sections 12070, 12071,
subdivisions (b) (c) or (d) of 12072, or 12073. The term firearm does not apply to
federally defined “curio” or “relic” long guns over 50 years old for the purpose of
transfers between private parties. (Penal Code §§ 12001(e), 12078(t)(2).)
1. PROHIBITED FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AND RELATED DEVICES
It is unlawful for any person to own, possess, lend, manufacture, import, sell, or offer to
sell any short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle, any firearm that is not
immediately recognizable as a firearm, any camouflaging firearm container, any
cane or wallet gun, any undetectable firearm, any ammunition that contains or
consists of a flechette dart, any bullet that contains or carries an explosive agent,
any zip gun, any unconventional pistol, any multiburst trigger activator, any
nunchaku, any metal knuckles, any belt buckle knife, any leaded cane, any lipstick
case knife, any cane sword, any shobi-zue, any air gauge knife, any ballistic knife,
any shuriken, any writing pen knife, and any metal military practice handgrenade
or metal replica handgrenade. It is unlawful for any person to carry a concealed dirk
or dagger. (Penal Code §§ 12001.5, 12020(a)(1).)
It is unlawful for any person to commercially manufacture or cause to be commercially

manufactured, or knowingly import into the state for commercial sale, keep for
commercial sale, or offer or expose for commercial sale, any hard plastic knuckles.
(Penal Code § 12020.1.)
It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, cause to be manufactured, import into the
state, keep for sale, or offer or expose for sale, or give or lend, any large-capacity
magazine. (Penal Code § 12020(a)(2).)
A short-barreled shotgun means a firearm designed or redesigned to fire a fixed shotgun

shell that has a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length or an overall length of
less than 26 inches; any weapon made from a shotgun which meets the barrel length or
overall length criteria; any device which may be restored to fire a fixed shotgun shell and
which meets the barrel length or overall length criteria; or any part or combination of
parts designed and intended to convert a device into a short-barreled shotgun or which

would permit an individual to readily assemble a short-barreled shotgun. (Penal Code §
12020(c)(1).)
A short-barreled rifle means a rifle having a barrel length of less than 16 inches or an
overall length of less than 26 inches; any weapon made from a rifle which meets the
barrel length or overall length criteria; any device which may be restored to fire a fixed
cartridge and which meets the barrel length or overall length criteria; or any part or
combination of parts designed and intended to convert a device into a short-barreled rifle
or which would permit an individual to readily assemble a short-barreled rifle. (Penal
Code § 12020(c)(2).)
A camouflaging firearm container means a container designed to enclose a firearm,

making it unrecognizable, and is capable of being fired by external controls while
enclosed in the container. The term excludes camouflage gear used in hunting. (Penal
Code § 12020(c)(9).)
A cane gun means any firearm mounted or enclosed in a stick, staff, rod, crutch, or
similar device designed to be, or capable of being used as an aid in walking, if such
firearm may be fired while mounted or enclosed therein. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(5).)
A wallet gun means any firearm mounted or enclosed in a case resembling a wallet,
designed to be, or capable of being carried in a pocket or purse, if such firearm may be
fired while mounted or enclosed in such case. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(4).)
An undetectable firearm means any weapon (after grips, stocks and magazines are
removed) which is less detectable than the security test devices which are used to
calibrate and set walk-through metal detectors; or a weapon which has a major
component made of barium sulfate or other compounds which do not generate an image
accurately depicting the component on the x-ray machines commonly used at airports.
(Penal Code § 12020(c)(22).)
A flechette dart means a dart one inch in length that is capable of being fired from a
firearm and has tail fins that take up approximately five-sixteenths of an inch of the
body. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(6).)
A zip gun means a weapon or device made or altered to expel a projectile by the force of
an explosion or other form of combustion which was not imported by a person licensed
pursuant to federal law, not designed as a firearm by a manufacturer licensed pursuant to

federal law and on which no federal tax was paid nor exemption from federal tax
granted. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(10).)
An unconventional pistol means a firearm that does not have a rifled bore and has a
barrel or barrels less than 18 inches in length and an overall length of less than 26
inches. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(12).)
A multiburst trigger activator means a device designed or redesigned to be attached to a

semiautomatic firearm which allows the firearm to discharge two or more shots in a
burst by activating the device, or a manual or power-driven trigger activating device
constructed so that when attached to a semiautomatic firearm it increases the rate of fire
of that firearm. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(23).)
The term bullet containing or carrying an explosive agent does not include tracer
ammunition manufactured for use in shotguns. (Penal Code § 12020(b)(6).)
A dirk or dagger means a knife or other instrument with or without a handguard that is
capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury. A
nonlocking folding knife, a folding knife not prohibited by section 653k, or a
pocketknife, is considered a dirk or dagger only if the blade of the knife is exposed and
locked into position. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(24).)
A nunchaku means an instrument consisting of two or more sticks, clubs, bars or rods to
be used as handles, connected by a rope, cord, wire, or chain. (Penal Code
§ 12020(c)(3).)
A metal knuckle means a device or instrument made wholly or partially of metal to be

worn in or on the hand while striking a blow to increase the force of the impact. (Penal
Code § 12020(c)(7).)
The term hard plastic knuckles means any device or instrument made wholly or partially
of plastic that is not a metal knuckle as defined in paragraph (7) of subdivision (c) of
Section 12020, that is worn for purposes of offense or defense in or on the hand, and that
either protects the wearer's hand while striking a blow or increases the force of impact
from the blow or injury to the individual receiving the blow. The plastic contained in the
device may help support the hand or fist, provide a shield to protect it, or consist of
projections or studs that would contact the individual receiving a blow. (Penal Code §
12020.1.)

A ballistic knife means a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile by means of
a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(8).)
A shuriken means an instrument without handles consisting of metal having three or

more radiating points with one or more sharp edges, used as a weapon for throwing.
(Penal Code § 12020(c)(11).)
A belt buckle knife means a knife which is an integral part of a belt buckle and has a
blade of a least 2-1/2 inches in length. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(13).)
A lipstick case knife means a knife enclosed within and made an integral part of a
lipstick case. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(14).)
A cane sword means a cane, stick, staff, rod, pole, or similar device having a concealed
blade that may be used as a sword. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(15).)
A shobi-zue means a staff, crutch, rod, or pole concealing a knife or blade which may be
exposed by a flip of the wrist or mechanical action. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(16).)
A leaded cane means a staff, crutch, stock, rod, pole or similar device unnaturally
weighted with lead. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(17).)
An air gauge knife means a device that appears to be an air gauge, but has a concealed
pointed metallic shaft designed to be a stabbing instrument when exposed by mechanical
action or gravity, and locks into place when extended. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(18).)
A writing pen knife means a device that appears to be a writing pen, but has a concealed
pointed metallic shaft designed to be a stabbing instrument when exposed by mechanical
action or gravity, and locks into place when extended. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(19).)
A metal military practice handgrenade or metal replica handgrenade means a device

that is readily usable as a grenade or may be easily modified for ready use as a grenade,
and does not include any plastic toy handgrenade or any metal military practice
handgrenade that is a relic, curio, memorabilia, or display item that has been filled with a
permanent inert substance or has otherwise been permanently altered in a manner that
prevents ready modification for use as a grenade. (Penal Code §§ 12020(a),
12020(b)(15).)

A large capacity magazine means any ammunition feeding device with the capacity to
accept more than 10 rounds, but shall not be construed to include a feeding device that
has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than 10 rounds, a
tubular magazine that is contained in a lever-action firearm, or a .22 caliber tube
ammunition feeding device. (Penal Code § 12020(c)(25).)
Exceptions
The general prohibition in this section does not apply to any instrument, ammunition,
weapon, or device other than a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun that is found
and possessed by a person who is not prohibited by law from possessing firearms or
ammunition and who possessed the instrument, ammunition, weapon, or device no
longer than was necessary to transport it to a law enforcement agency for disposition
according to law.
In the case of a firearm, prior notice must be given to the law enforcement agency prior
to transporting it to that agency for disposition, and the firearm must be transported
unloaded and in a locked container, as defined by Penal Code section 12026.2(d). (Penal
Code §§ 12020(b)(15) and (16).)
The general prohibition in this section does not include antique firearms. An antique
firearm is defined as any firearm that was manufactured in or before 1898 and is not
designed or redesigned to use rimfire or conventional center fire ignition with fixed
ammunition. This includes any matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of
ignition system or replica thereof, regardless of the date of manufacture. Firearms
manufactured in or before 1898 that use fixed ammunition which is no longer
manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of
commercial trade are also considered antiques. (Penal Code § 12020(b)(5).)
This general prohibition also does not include any firearm or ammunition that is a curio
or relic as defined in section 478.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations and
is in the possession of a person permitted to possess such items pursuant to Chapter 44
(commencing with section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations
issued pursuant thereto. (Penal Code § 12020(b)(7).)
Machineguns
It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, possess, or knowingly transport any
machinegun. (Penal Code § 12220.)

The term machinegun means any weapon that shoots or is designed to shoot more than
one shot automatically (without manual reloading) by a single function of the trigger.
The term also includes any frame or receiver of a machinegun and any part or
combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting an otherwise legal
weapon into a machinegun. The term also includes any weapon deemed by the federal
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as readily convertible to a
machinegun under Chapter 53 (commencing with section 5801) of Title 26 of the United
States Code. (Penal Code § 12200.)
These prohibitions do not apply to (a) persons having a permit or license issued by the
California Department of Justice to possess, transport, or sell machineguns (Penal Code
§§ 12230, 12231, 12233, 12250); or (b) federal or state military or naval forces or law
enforcement officers acting within the scope of their duties. (Penal Code §12201.)
Assault Weapons and .50 BMG Rifles
It is a felony for any person to manufacture, distribute, transport, import into California,
or keep or offer for sale, or give or lend, an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle. (Penal
Code § 12280.)
Any person who lawfully possesses an assault weapon must have registered it as such
with the Department of Justice. Any person who lawfully possessed a .50 BMG rifle as
of January 1, 2005 must register it with the Department of Justice by April 30, 2006.
(Penal Code § 12285.)
The term assault weapon means the following designated semiautomatic firearms as
defined by Penal Code section 12276:
(a) All of the following specified rifles:
(1) All AK series including, but not limited to, the models identified as follows:
(A) Made in China AK, AKM, AKS, AK47, AK47S, 56, 56S, 84S, and 86S.
(B) Norinco 56, 56S, 84S, and 86S.
(C) Poly Technologies AKS and AK47.
(D) MAADI AK47 and ARM.
(2) UZI and Galil.
(3) Beretta AR-70.
(4) CETME Sporter.
(5) Colt AR-15 series.
(6) Daewoo K-1, K-2, Max 1, Max 2, AR 100, and AR110C.

(7) Fabrique Nationale FAL, LAR, FNC, 308 Match, and Sporter.
(8) MAS 223.
(9) HK-91, HK-93, HK-94, and HK-PSG-1.
(10) The following MAC types:
(A) RPB Industries Inc, sM10 and sM11.
(B) SWD Incorporated M11.
(11) SKS with detachable magazine.
(12) SIG AMT, PE-57, SG 550, and SG 551.
(13) Springfield Armory BM59 and SAR-48.
(14) Sterling MK-6.
(15) Steyer AUG.
(16) Valmet M62S, M71S, and M78S.
(17) Armalite AR-180.
(18) Bushmaster Assault Rifle.
(19) Calico M-900.
(20) J&R ENG M-68.
(21) Weaver Arms Nighthawk.
(b) All of the following specified pistols:
(1) UZI.
(2) Encom MP-9 and MP-45.
(3) The following MAC types:
(A) RPB Industries Inc, sM10 and sM11.
(B) SWD Incorporated M-11.
(C) Advance Armament Inc, M-11.
(D) Military Armament Corp. Ingram M-11.
(4) Intratec TEC-9.
(5) Sites Spectre.
(6) Sterling MK-7.
(7) Calico M-950.
(8) Bushmaster Pistol.
(c) All of the following specified shotguns:
(1) Franchi SPAS 12 and LAW 12.
(2) Striker 12.
(3) The Streetsweeper type S/S Inc, SS/12.
(d) Any firearm declared by the court pursuant to section 12276.5 to be an assault
weapon that is specified as an assault weapon in a list promulgated pursuant to
section 12276.5.
(e) The term “series” includes all other models that are only variations, with minor
differences, of those models listed in subdivision (a), regardless of the
manufacturer.

(f) This section is declaratory of existing law, as amended, and a clarification of the
law and the Legislature’s intent which bans the weapons enumerated in this
section, the weapons included in the list promulgated by the Attorney General
pursuant to section 12276.5, and any other models which are only variations of
those weapons with minor differences, regardless of the manufacturer. The
Legislature has defined assault weapons as the types, series, and models listed in
this section because it was the most effective way to identify and restrict a specific
class of semiautomatic weapons.
The term “assault weapon” also means any firearm that falls under one of the following
definitions pursuant to Penal Code section 12276.1:
(1) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable
magazine and any one of the following:
(A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon.
(B) A thumbhole stock.
(C) A folding or telescoping stock.
(D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher.
(E) A flash suppressor.
(F) A forward pistol grip.
(2) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to
accept more than 10 rounds.
(3) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches.
(4) A semiautomatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and
any one of the following:
(A) A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip,
or silencer.
(B) A second handgrip.
(C) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel that
allows the bearer to fire the weapon without burning his or her hand, except a slide
that encloses the barrel.
(D) The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the
pistol grip.
(5) A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more
than 10 rounds.
(6) A semiautomatic shotgun that has both of the following:
(A) A folding or telescoping stock.
(B) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon,
thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip.
(7) A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine.

(8) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
The following definitions shall apply relative to defining assault weapons:

(1) "Magazine" shall mean any ammunition feeding device.
(2) "Capacity to accept more than 10 rounds" shall mean capable of
accommodating more than 10 rounds, but shall not be construed to include a feeding
device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than 10
rounds.
(3) "Antique firearm" means any firearm manufactured prior to January 1, 1899.
The term “assault weapon” does not include any of the following:
(1) Any antique firearm.
(2) The following pistols sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and by
USA Shooting, the national governing body for international shooting competition
in the United States, and that are used for Olympic target shooting purposes.
(Penal Code § 12276.1.):
MANUFACTURER MODEL CALIBER
BENELLI MP90 .22LR
BENELLI MP90 .32 S&W LONG
BENELLI MP95 .22LR
HAMMERLI 280 .22LR
HAMMERLI 280 .32 S&W LONG
HAMMERLI SP20 .22LR
HAMMERLI SP20 .32 S&W LONG
PARDINI GPO .22 SHORT
PARDINI GP-SCHUMANN .22 SHORT
PARDINI HP .32 S&W LONG
PARDINI MP .32 S&W LONG
PARDINI SP .22LR
PARDINI SPE .22LR
WALTHER GSP .22LR
WALTHER GSP .32 S&W LONG
WALTHER OSP .22 SHORT
WALTHER OSP-2000 .22 SHORT
(3) Any model of competitive pistol that would otherwise fall within the definition of
“assault weapon” but has otherwise been expressly identified as exempt by the
Department of Justice. The exempt competitive pistols may be based on
recommendations by USA Shooting or may be based on the recommendation or rules of
any other organization that the Department of Justice deems relevant. The current list of

exempt pistols is available on the Firearms Division website at
http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/op.pdf. (Penal Code § 12276.1.)
The term “assault weapon” also means any firearm specified by the Department of
Justice as an AK or AR-15 series weapon pursuant to Penal Code section 12276(e) and
the California Supreme Court decision in Kasler v. Lockyer. As a result of this Penal
Code section and court decision, all AK and AR-15 series rifles are assault weapons
regardless of their characteristics. The Department of Justice maintains a roster of
firearm makes and models which the Attorney General has identified as AK and AR-15
series weapons. The most current list is available on the DOJ website at
http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/awguide. At the time of this printing, this list includes
the following:

AK Series Weapons
American Arms MAADI CO Norinco
AK-C 47 * AK 47 * 56
AK-F 39 * ARM * 56 S
AK-F 47 MISR (all) 81 S (all)
AK-Y 39 MISTR (all) * 84 S
86 (all)
Arsenal Made in China * 86 S
SLG (all) * 56 AK-47 (all)
SLR (all) * 56S Hunter Rifle
* 84S MAK 90
B-West * 86S NHM 90, 90-2, 91 Sport
AK-47 (all) * AK RPK Rifle
* AK47
Hesse Arms * AKM Ohio Ordnance Works (o.o.w.)
Model 47 (all) * AKS AK-74
Wieger STG 940 Rifle ROMAK 991
MARS
Inter Ordnance - Monroe, NC Pistol Poly Technologies
AK-47 (all) * AK47
M-97 Mitchell Arms, Inc. * AKS
RPK AK-47 (all)
AK-47 Cal .308 (all) Valmet
Kalashnikov USA M-76 76 S
Hunter Rifle / Saiga M-90 Hunter Rifle
RPK
WUM
WUM (all)
AR-15 Series Weapons

American Spirit
ASA Model Eagle Arms Ordnance, Inc.
EA-15 A2 H-BAR AR-15
Armalite EA-15 E1
AR 10 (all) M15 (all) Palmetto
Golden Eagle SGA (all)
M15 (all) Frankford Arsenal
AR-15 (all) Professional Ordnance, Inc.
Bushmaster Carbon 15 Pistol
XM15 (all) Hesse Arms Carbon 15 Rifle
HAR 15A2 (all)
Colt PWA
* AR-15 (all) Knights All Models
Law Enforcement (6920) RAS (all)
Match Target (all) SR-15 (all) Rock River Arms, Inc.
Sporter (all) SR-25 (all) Car A2
Car A4 Flattop
Dalphon Les Baer LE Tactical Carbine
B.F.D. Ultimate AR (all) NM A2 - DCM Legal
Standard A-2
DPMS Olympic Arms Standard A-4 Flattop
Panther (all) AR-15
Car-97 Wilson Combat
PCR (all) AR-15
* Required to be registered on or before March 31, 1992

As AK and AR-15 series weapons are identified, they will be added to the roster. Please
note that the list provided in this publication is not comprehensive and may have been
updated since this printing. Individuals have an obligation to inquire if they believe their
firearm is an AK or AR-15 series assault weapon.
The term “.50 BMG rifle” means any center fire rifle that can fire a .50 BMG cartridge and
that is not already an assault weapon or machinegun. This definition excludes federally
defined curios, relics, and firearms manufactured prior to January 1, 1899. A “.50 BMG
cartridge” is defined as a cartridge that is designed and intended to be fired from a center
fire rifle and that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) It has an overall length of 5.54 inches from the base to the tip of the bullet.
(2) The bullet diameter for the cartridge is from .510 to, and including, .511 inch.
(3) The case base diameter for the cartridge is from .800 inch to, and including, .804
inch.
(4) The cartridge case length is 3.91 inches. (PC § 12278.)
Exceptions
• Penal Code section 12280(e) provides an exception for the sale to, purchase by, or
possession of assault weapons or .50 BMG rifles by specified law enforcement
agencies and military or naval forces for use in the discharge of their official duties.
The law permits possession and use of these weapons by sworn members of these
agencies when on duty and the use is within the scope of their duties.
• Penal Code section 12280(f) provides an exception for the delivery, transfer, or sale
to, or possession of an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle by peace officer members of
specified agencies with the express authorization of their employing agencies. For
this exception to apply, if the firearm is an assault weapon, the peace officer must
register the firearm as an assault weapon with the Department of Justice within 90
days of the date of acquisition. If the firearm is a .50 BMG rifle and the officer took
possession of the rifle after January 1, 2005, the officer shall register the firearm as
a.50 caliber BMG rifle not later than one year after possession or receipt.
• Penal Code section 12280(k) provides limited exceptions for registered assault
weapons and .50 BMG rifles while on a target range or while attending an
exhibition, display, or firearms educational project which is sponsored by law
enforcement or a nationally or state recognized entity that promotes firearm
proficiency or education.
• Penal Code section 12280(m) provides an exception for out-of-state residents who
bring assault weapons or .50 BMG rifles into the state if attending an organized
match or competition conducted on a target range, club, etc., for the purpose of

shooting targets.
• Penal Code section 12285(c)(6) provides an exception for registered assault weapons
or .50 BMG rifles while on publicly owned land if the possession and use of an
assault weapon is specifically permitted by the managing agency of the land.
Possession, Transport, Sale, and Manufacture of Assault Weapons and .50 BMG
Rifles
A person may not possess or transport an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle, as defined,
unless the weapon has been registered as an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle with the
Department of Justice, or the person has obtained a permit for that weapon from the
Department. (Penal Code §§ 12276, 12280, 12285, 12286.)
A lawfully possessed assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle may be transported for any lawful
purpose if it is unloaded and either securely locked in the trunk of a vehicle or in a locked
container carried inside the vehicle other than the utility or glove compartment. (Penal
Code §§ 12280(m), 12285(c)(7), 12026.1.)
A person in lawful possession of an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle may sell it only to a
properly licensed firearms dealer who has been issued an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle
permit by the Department of Justice or may elect to relinquish the weapon to a police or
sheriff’s department. (Penal Code §§ 12285, 12288.)
The Department of Justice may issue permits for the manufacture of assault weapons or .50
BMG rifles to federally licensed manufacturers of firearms for sale to law enforcement
agencies, persons having permits to acquire assault weapons or .50 BMG rifles, persons out
of state who have federal firearm dealer licenses entitling them to sell these weapons to
federal law enforcement and military agencies, and law enforcement or military agencies in
other states and, for sale to foreign governments and agencies approved by the U.S. State
Department. (Penal Code § 12287.)
Armor-Piercing Bullets
It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, or knowingly possess or transport

handgun ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or armor. (Penal Code
§§ 12320, 12321.)
Handgun ammunition means ammunition principally for use in pistols, revolvers, and other

firearms capable of being concealed upon the person, as defined in subdivision (a) of
section 12001, notwithstanding that the ammunition may also be used in some rifles.
(Penal Code § 12323(a).)
Handgun ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or armor means any

ammunition, except a shotgun shell or ammunition primarily designed for use in rifles, that
is designed primarily to penetrate a body vest or body shield. (Penal Code § 12323(b).)
Body vest or shield means any bullet-resistant material intended to provide ballistic and
trauma protection for the wearer or holder. (Penal Code § 12323(c).)
Exceptions
The prohibition against possessing, manufacturing, etc., armor piercing ammunition does
not apply to the following (Penal Code § 12322):
• Specified members of the military while on duty and engaged within the scope of
their duties.
• Any police agency or forensic laboratory.
• Persons who hold valid permits issued pursuant to Penal Code section 12305.
• The possession of handgun ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or
armor by a person who found the ammunition, if he or she is not prohibited from
possessing firearms or ammunition pursuant to section 12021, 12021.1 or paragraph
(1) of subdivision (b) of section 12316 of this code or section 8100 or 8103 of the
Welfare and Institutions Code and is transporting the ammunition to a law
enforcement agency for disposition according to law.
Larger Caliber Weapons and Tracer Ammunition
It is unlawful to possess any of the following:
• Any projectile containing any explosive, incendiary material, or any other chemical
substance including, but not limited to, that commonly known as tracer or incendiary
ammunition, except tracer ammunition manufactured for use in shotguns.
• Any bomb, grenade, explosive missile, or similar device or any launching device
therefor.
• Any weapon of greater than .60-caliber that fires fixed ammunition, or any
ammunition therefor, other than a shotgun or shotgun ammunition.
• Any rocket, rocket-propelled projectile, or similar device of a diameter greater than

0.60 inch, or any launching device therefor, and any projectile or similar device
containing any explosive or incendiary material or any other chemical substance,
other than the propellant for such device, except for devices designed primarily for
emergency or distress signaling purposes. (Penal Code §§ 12301, 12303.)
These prohibitions do not apply to specified members of the military, peace officers listed
in Penal Code sections 830.1 or 830.2, any peace officer in the Department of Justice
authorized by the Attorney General, or firefighters while on duty and acting within the
scope and course of their employment, or to persons having a permit issued by the
California Department of Justice. (Penal Code §§ 12302, 12305.)
Firearm Silencers
A silencer is defined as a device designed, used, or intended for use in silencing,

diminishing or muffling the report of a firearm including any combination of parts designed
or redesigned and intended for use in fabricating or assembling a silencer, or any part
intended only for use in assembling or fabricating a silencer. (Penal Code § 12500.)
It is a felony for any person, firm, or corporation within this state to possess any silencer for
firearms. This prohibition does not apply to any peace officer listed in Penal Code section
830.1, or to military or naval forces of this state or of the United States in the official
discharge of their duties, nor does it apply to the manufacture, possession, transportation or
sale to agencies listed in Penal Code section 830.1, or to military or naval forces of this
state or of the United States by dealers registered under Chapter 53, commencing with
section 5801 of Title 26 of the United States Code. (Penal Code §§ 12520, 12501.)
Sniperscopes
A sniperscope is defined as a device made or adapted for use on a firearm that enables the
operator to detect objects during nighttime through the use of a projected infrared light
source and an electronic telescope. (Penal Code § 468.)
Any person who buys, sells, receives, disposes of, conceals, or possesses a sniperscope is
guilty of a misdemeanor. This prohibition does not apply to authorized use or possession of
sniperscopes by members of the armed forces or peace officers, and does not prohibit use or
possession solely for scientific research or educational purposes. (Penal Code § 468.)

Boobytraps
Boobytraps are concealed or camouflaged devices designed to cause great bodily injury
when triggered by an unsuspecting person. They include guns, ammunition, or explosives
attached to trip wires, sharpened stakes, and lines or wires with hooks attached. It is
unlawful to possess such devices with the intent to use them as boobytraps and anyone who
assembles, maintains, places, or causes such devices to be placed is guilty of a felony.
Flamethrowing Devices
A flamethrowing device means any nonstationary and transportable device designed or
intended to emit or propel a burning stream of combustible or flammable liquid a distance
of at least 10 feet. Possession of a flamethrower is either a misdemeanor or a felony,
depending on the circumstances under which it is possessed. (Health and Safety
Code § 12761)
2. PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO POSSESS FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
Persons Convicted of Felonies or Other Specified Crimes
Any person who (a) has been convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States, the
State of California, or any other state, government, or country, or (b) is addicted to any
narcotic drug may not own or have in his or her possession, custody, or control any
firearm. (Penal Code § 12021(a).)
It is unlawful for any person who is prohibited from possessing firearms, to possess
ammunition. (Penal Code § 12316(b).)
A felony conviction refers to a conviction of an offense that can only result in felony
punishment under California law, or any sentence to a federal correctional facility for more
than 30 days, or a fine of more than $1,000, or both. (Penal Code § 12021(f).)
Any person convicted of any of the following crimes specified in Penal Code sections
12001.6 and 12021.1, whether as a felony or misdemeanor, may not lawfully possess or
have under his or her custody or control any firearm:
• Murder or voluntary manslaughter.
• Mayhem.

• Rape.
• Sodomy or oral copulation by force, violence, duress, menace, or threat of great
bodily harm.
• Lewd acts on a child under the age of 14.
• Any felony punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison for life.
• Any other felony in which the defendant inflicts great bodily injury on any person,
other than an accomplice, that has been charged and proven, or any felony in which
the defendant uses a firearm which has been charged and proven.
• Attempted murder.
• Assault with intent to commit rape or robbery.
• Assault with a deadly weapon or instrument on a peace officer.
• Assault by a life prisoner on a non-inmate.
• Assault with a deadly weapon by an inmate.
• Arson.
• Exploding a destructive device or any explosive with intent to injure or murder.
• Exploding a destructive device or any explosive causing great bodily injury.
• Robbery.
• Kidnapping.
• Taking of a hostage by a state prison inmate.
• Attempting to commit a felony punishable by death or imprisonment in the state
prison for life.
• Any felony in which the defendant personally used a dangerous or deadly weapon.
• Escape from a state prison by use of force or violence.
• Assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to produce great bodily injury.
• Any attempt to commit any of the above crimes other than an assault.
• Assault upon a person with a firearm.
• Shooting at an inhabited dwelling house or occupied building.
NOTE: This offense is committed even though no person was actually inside the
specified structure at the time of the shooting.
• Drawing, exhibiting, or unlawfully using any handgun or firearm in a rude, angry, or
threatening manner in the presence of a peace officer regardless of whether the
firearm is loaded.
• Carjacking.
• Two or more convictions for drawing or exhibiting any firearm in a rude, angry, or
threatening manner in the presence of another regardless of whether the firearm is
loaded.

Persons Convicted of Misdemeanor Violations of Specified Offenses
Any person convicted of a misdemeanor violation for one or more of the following offenses
is prohibited from owning, possessing or having under his or her custody or control any
firearm within 10 years of the conviction (Penal Code § 12021(c)(1)):
• Threatening public officers and employees and school officials. (Penal Code § 71.)
• Threatening certain public officials, appointees, judges, staff or their immediate
families. (Penal Code § 76.)
• Possession of a deadly weapon with intent to commit an assault (Penal
Code § 12024.)
• Possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to intimidate a witness. (Penal Code
§ 136.5.)
• Unauthorized possession/transportation of a machinegun. (Penal Code § 12220.)
• Threatening witnesses, victims, or informants. (Penal Code § 140.)
• Obstructing or delaying an officer or emergency medical technician and removing or
attempting to remove a firearm from these individuals. (Penal Code § 148(d).)
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon in a courtroom, courthouse or court building,
or at a public meeting. (Penal Code § 171b.)
• Bringing into or possessing a loaded firearm within the state capitol, legislative
offices, etc. (Penal Code § 171c.)
• Taking into or possessing loaded firearms within the Governor’s Mansion or
residence or other constitutional office, etc. (Penal Code § 171d.)
• Supplying firearms to any street gang member for use in street gang activity. (Penal
Code § 186.28.)
• Assault. (Penal Code §§ 240, 241.)
• Battery. (Penal Code §§ 242, 243.)
• Assault with a stun gun or taser weapon. (Penal Code § 244.5.)
• Assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury. (Penal
Code § 245.)
• Assault with a deadly weapon or instrument, by any means likely to produce great
bodily injury, or with a stun gun or taser, on a school employee engaged in the
performance of duties. (Penal Code § 245.5.)
• Discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner. (Penal Code § 246.3.)
• Shooting at an unoccupied aircraft, motor vehicle, or uninhabited building or
dwelling house. (Penal Code § 247.)
• Drawing or exhibiting any deadly weapon, including a firearm, in a rude or
threatening manner. (Penal Code § 417.)
• Drawing or exhibiting a firearm or other deadly weapon with the intentional
infliction of serious bodily injury. (Penal Code § 417.6.)

• Bringing into or possessing firearms upon or within public or private schools,
playgrounds and youth centers. (Penal Code § 626.9.)
• Willful infliction of corporal injury of a spouse or cohabitant. (Penal Code § 273.5.)
• Willful violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence. (Penal Code
§ 273.6.)
• Stalking. (Penal Code § 646.9.)
• Carrying a loaded firearm with the intent to commit a felony. (Penal Code § 12023.)
• Driver or owner of any vehicle who knowingly permits another person to discharge a
firearm from the vehicle or any person who willfully and maliciously discharges a
firearm from a motor vehicle. (Penal Code §§ 12034(b) and (d).)
• Criminal possession of a firearm. (Penal Code § 12040.)
• Selling a concealable firearm to a minor. (Penal Code § 12072(b).)
• Possessing handgun ammunition designed to penetrate metal or armor. (Penal Code
§ 12320.)
• Carrying a concealed or loaded firearm or other deadly weapon or wearing a peace
officer uniform while picketing, carrying a concealed loaded weapon, or wearing a
peace officer uniform. (Penal Code § 12590.)
• Possession of a firearm by a person ineligible to possess firearms because of his or
her mental history. (Welfare and Institutions Code § 8100).
• Providing a firearm or deadly weapon to a person who is prohibited from possessing
firearms because of his or her mental history. (Welfare and Institutions Code §
8101).
• Possession of a firearm by a person ineligible to possess firearms because of specific
mental prohibitions. (Welfare and Institutions Code § 8103).
• Bringing or sending firearms or other contraband into a juvenile detention facility.
(Welfare and Institutions Code § 871.5)
• Bringing or sending firearms or other contraband into youth authority institutions.
(Welfare and Institutions Code § 1001.5.)
• Violating Penal Code section 12072 involving sales and transfers of firearms,
including:
- selling or furnishing a firearm to any person whom the individual has reason to
believe is within a prohibited class;
- selling or furnishing a handgun to a minor;
- selling or furnishing a firearm to any person whom the seller knows, or has cause
to believe, is not intended to be the actual purchaser or transferee;
- acquiring a firearm for the purpose of providing it to a prohibited individual;
- selling or transferring a firearm without having the transaction processed through a
licensed dealer or law enforcement agency;
- committing any act of collusion relating to a Handgun Safety Certificate.
• Intimidating a witness or victim. (Penal Code § 136.1.)

• Threatening to cause death or great bodily injury to another person. (Penal
Code § 422)
Persons Prohibited From Possession, Purchase of Firearms As a Condition of

Probation
Any person convicted of any crime for which the express condition of probation prohibits
or restricts the possession of firearms may not lawfully own, possess, control, receive or
purchase a firearm for the duration of the probation. (Penal Code § 12021(d).)
Persons Subject to a Protective Order
Persons who are subject to a protective order issued by a court pursuant to section 6218 of
the Family Code, a protective order issued pursuant to Section 136.2 or 646.91 of the Penal
Code, or by a protective order issued pursuant to Section 15657.03 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code, may not own, possess, purchase, or receive a firearm for the duration of
the order. (Penal Code § 12021(g).) This includes any of the following restraining orders,
whether issued ex parte, after notice and hearing, or in a judgment:
• A court-issued order enjoining a party from molesting, attacking, striking, stalking,
threatening, sexually assaulting, battering, harassing, telephoning, destroying
personal property, contacting, either directly or indirectly, by mail or otherwise,
coming within a specified distance of, or disturbing the peace of the other party.
(Family Code § 6320.)
• A court-issued order to exclude a party from the family dwelling, the dwelling of the
other party, the common dwelling of both parties, or the dwelling of the person who
has care, custody, and control of a child to be protected from domestic violence.
(Family Code § 6321.)
• A court-issued order enjoining a party from other specified behaviors as determined
by that court. (Family Code § 6322.)
• A court-issued order enjoining a party from abusing, intimidating, molesting,
attacking, striking, stalking, threatening, sexually assaulting, battering, harassing,
telephoning, destroying personal property, contacting, or coming within a specified
distance of , and elder or dependent adult. (Welfare and Institutions Code
§ 15657.03.)
The court, upon issuance of a protective order shall additionally require the respondent to
sell any firearms in that person's control to a licensed firearms dealer or relinquish them for
the duration of the protective order. (Family Code § 6389(c).)

Persons Subject to a Temporary Restraining Order
Persons who are subject to a temporary restraining order issued pursuant to section 527.6 or
527.8 of the Civil Code for harassing behavior may not own, possess, purchase or receive a
firearm for the duration of the order. (Penal Code § 12021(g).)
Persons Subject to Juvenile Court Law
Any person subject to juvenile court law and adjudged a ward of the juvenile court within
the meaning of Section 602 of the Welfare and Institutions Code for any of the following
offenses, shall not own, possess, or have under his or her custody or control any firearm
until reaching 30 years of age (Penal Code § 12021(e)):
• Murder.
• Arson that causes great bodily injury or arson of an inhabited structure or property.
(Penal Code §§ 451(a) and (b).)
• Robbery while armed with a dangerous or deadly weapon.
• Rape with force or violence or threat of great bodily harm.
• Sodomy by force, violence, duress, menace, or threat of great bodily harm.
• Lewd or lascivious act on a child under the age of 14. (Penal Code § 288(b).)
• Oral copulation by force, violence, duress, menace, or threat of great bodily harm.
• Sexual assault with a foreign object. (Penal Code § 289.)
• Kidnapping for ransom.
• Kidnapping for purpose of robbery, rape, spousal rape, etc. (Penal Code
§ 209(b)(1).)
• Kidnapping with bodily harm.
• Assault with intent to murder or attempted murder.
• Assault with a firearm or destructive device.
• Assault by any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.
• Discharge of a firearm into an inhabited or occupied building.
• Specified crimes against persons 60 years of age or older, blind persons, paraplegics,
or quadriplegics as described in Penal Code section 1203.09.
• Use of a firearm in the commission or attempted commission of a felony; discharge
of a firearm at an occupied motor vehicle causing great bodily injury or death; use of
a firearm to commit the controlled substances violations described in Penal Code
sections 12022.5 or 12022.53.
• Any felony offense in which the minor personally used a weapon described in Penal
Code section 12020(a).
• Felony intimidation of a witness and victim as described in Penal Code section 136.1
or influencing the testimony or information given to a law enforcement official as
described in Penal Code section 137.

• Manufacturing, compounding, or selling one-half ounce or more of any salt or
solution of a controlled substance specified in Health and Safety Code section
11055(e).
• Possessing for sale, or selling a substance containing 28.5 grams or more of cocaine
as specified in Penal Code section 1203.073.
• Any of the specified violent felonies listed in Penal Code section 667.5(c) committed
for the benefit, direction, or association with any criminal street gang as described in
Penal Code section 186.22(b).
• Intentionally inflicting great bodily injury on an employee of a juvenile facility
during an escape by the use of force or violence in violation of Welfare and
Institutions Code section 871(b).
• Torture as described in Penal Code sections 206 and 206.1.
• Aggravated mayhem as described in Penal Code section 205.
• Carjacking as described in Penal Code section 215 while armed with a dangerous or
deadly weapon.
• Kidnapping as punishable in Penal Code section 209.5.
• Willfully and maliciously discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle at another
person other than an occupant of a motor vehicle.
• Exploding, igniting, or attempting to explode or ignite any destructive device or
explosive with intent to commit murder.
• Any of the offenses listed in Penal Code section 12021(c)(1).
• Carrying a concealed handgun. (Penal Code § 12025).
• Carrying a loaded handgun. (Penal Code § 12031).
• Allowing another to transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle. (Penal Code § 12034).
Mental Patients, Mentally Disordered Sex Offenders, Persons Adjudicated a Danger

to Others, Persons Incompetent to Stand Trial, Gravely Disabled Conservatees, and
Persons Taken Into Custody as a Danger to Self or Others Because of a Mental
Disorder
No person who is receiving inpatient treatment because he or she is a danger to self or

others may have in his or her possession or under his or her custody, or control, nor may he
or she purchase or receive, or attempt to purchase or receive, any firearm. This applies
even though the person has consented to the treatment. (Welfare and Institutions Code §
8100.)
No person who communicates to a licensed psychotherapist a serious threat of physical

violence against a victim may purchase, possess, control, or have custody of any firearms
for a period of six months after the threat is reported to a local law enforcement agency.

Attempts to purchase, possess, or control firearms are also prohibited. Persons prohibited
under this section may petition a court for restoration of firearms privileges. (Welfare and
Institutions Code § 8100(b).)
No person adjudicated by a court of any state to be (a) a danger to others as a result of

mental disorder or mental illness, or (b) a mentally disordered sex offender shall have in his
or her possession, custody, or control any firearm. (Welfare and Institutions
Code § 8103(a).)
No person found not guilty by reason of insanity of specified crimes in any state may have
in his or her possession, custody, or control any firearm. (Welfare and Institutions
Code § 8103(b).)
No person found by a court to be mentally incompetent to stand trial on a criminal charge

shall have in his or her possession, custody, or control any firearm. (Welfare and
Institutions Code § 8103(d).)
No person placed under conservatorship by a court, because the person is gravely disabled,
shall have in his or her possession, custody, or control any firearm, where prohibited by the
court. (Welfare and Institutions Code § 8103(e).)
No person taken into custody, assessed, and admitted to a designated facility pursuant to
Welfare and Institutions Code section 5150 because that person is a danger to himself,
herself, or others shall own, possess, control, receive, or purchase any firearm for a period
of five years after the person is released from the facility. (Welfare and Institutions
Code § 8103(f.)
Under California law, no person who has been certified for intensive treatment pursuant to
Welfare and Institutions Code sections 5250, 5260 or 5270.15 may own, possess, control,
receive, or purchase any firearm for a period of five years after the person is released from
the facility. However, such a person is considered to have been adjudicated as a mental
defective under federal law and therefore may not possess firearms even beyond the five-
years provided under California law. (Welfare and Institutions Code § 8103(g)), 18 USC
922(g)(4).)
NOTE: Any person who knowingly supplies, sells, gives, or otherwise allows such an
individual to possess or control any firearm or deadly weapon is guilty of a felony or an
alternate felony/misdemeanor, respectively. (Welfare and Institutions Code § 8101.)

Justifiable Possession of a Firearm by Certain Prohibited Classes
Any person found to have committed an offense enumerated in Penal Code section 12021,
subdivisions (a) through (e), is prohibited from owning, possessing, or having under his or
her custody or control, any firearm. A violation of subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) is
justifiable where all of the following conditions are met:
• The person found the firearm or took the firearm from the person who was
committing the crime against him or her.
• The person possessed the firearm no longer than was necessary to deliver or
transport the firearm to a law enforcement agency for that agency’s disposition
according to law.
• If the firearm was transported to a law enforcement agency, it was transported in
accordance with paragraph (18) of subdivision (a) of section 12026.2.
• If the firearm is being transported to a law enforcement agency, the person
transporting the firearm has given prior notice to the law enforcement agency that
he or she is transporting the firearm to the law enforcement agency for disposition
according to law.
Upon the trial for violating subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e), the trier of fact shall
determine whether the defendant was acting within the provisions of the exemption created
by this subdivision. The defendant has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the
evidence that he or she comes within the provisions of the exemption created by this
subdivision. (Penal Code § 12021(h).)
Personal Firearms Eligibility Check

Any person may request directly from the Department of Justice a determination as to
whether he or she is eligible to possess firearms. The application form and instructions to
request a personal firearms eligibility check is on the DOJ Firearms Division website at
http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/. The cost for such an eligibility check is $20.
(PC § 12077.5.)
3. THE USE OF FIREARMS IN DEFENSE OF LIFE AND PROPERTY
The question of whether use of a firearm is justified for self-defense cannot be reduced to a
simple list of factors. This section is based on the instructions generally given to the jury
in a criminal case where self-defense is claimed and illustrates the general rules regarding
use of firearms in self-defense.

Use of a Firearm or Other Deadly Force in Defense of Life and Body
The killing of one person by another may be justifiable when necessary to resist the
attempt to commit a forcible and life-threatening crime, provided that a reasonable person
in the same or similar situation would believe that (a) the person killed intended to commit
a forcible and life-threatening crime; (b) there was imminent danger of such crime being
accomplished; and (c) the person acted under the belief that such force was necessary to
save himself or herself or another from death or a forcible and life-threatening crime.
Murder, mayhem, rape, and robbery are examples of forcible and life-threatening crimes.
Self-Defense Against Assault
It is lawful for a person being assaulted to defend himself or herself from attack if he or she
has reasonable grounds for believing, and does in fact believe, that he or she will suffer
bodily injury. In doing so, he or she may use such force, up to deadly force, as a
reasonable person in the same or similar circumstances would believe necessary to prevent
great bodily injury or death. An assault with fists does not justify use of a deadly weapon
in self-defense unless the person being assaulted believes, and a reasonable person in the
same or similar circumstances would also believe, that the assault is likely to inflict great
bodily injury.
It is lawful for a person who has grounds for believing, and does in fact believe, that great
bodily injury is about to be inflicted upon another to protect the victim from attack. In so
doing, the person may use such force as reasonably necessary to prevent the injury.
Deadly force is only considered reasonable to prevent great bodily injury or death.
NOTE: The use of excessive force to counter an assault may result in civil or criminal
penalties.
Protecting One’s Home
A person may defend his or her home against anyone who attempts to enter in a violent
manner intending violence to any person in the home. The amount of force that may be
used in resisting such entry is limited to that which would appear necessary to a reasonable
person in the same or similar circumstances to resist the violent entry. One is not bound to
retreat, even though a retreat might safely be made. One may resist force with force,
increasing it in proportion to the intruder’s persistence and violence, if the circumstances
apparent to the occupant would cause a reasonable person in the same or similar situation
to fear for his or her safety.

The occupant may use a firearm when resisting the intruder’s attempt to commit a forcible
and life-threatening crime against anyone in the home provided that a reasonable person in
the same or similar situation would believe that (a) the intruder intends to commit a
forcible and life-threatening crime; (b) there is imminent danger of such crime being
accomplished; and (c) the occupant acts under the belief that use of a firearm is necessary
to save himself or herself or another from death or great bodily injury. Murder, mayhem,
rape, and robbery are examples of forcible and life-threatening crimes.
Any person using force intended or likely to cause death or great bodily injury within his
or her residence shall be presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of
death or great bodily injury to self, family, or a member of the household when that force
is used against another person, not a member of the family or household, who unlawfully
and forcibly enters or has unlawfully and forcibly entered the residence and the person
using the force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry had
occurred. Great bodily injury means a significant or substantial physical injury. (Penal
Code § 198.5.)
NOTE: If the presumption is rebutted by contrary evidence, the occupant may be

criminally liable for an unlawful assault or homicide.
Defense of Property
The lawful occupant of real property has the right to request a trespasser to leave the
premises. If the trespasser does not do so within a reasonable time, the occupant may use
force to eject the trespasser.
The amount of force that may be used to eject a trespasser is limited to that which a
reasonable person would believe to be necessary under the same or similar circumstances.
Limitations on the Use of Force in Self-Defense
The right of self-defense ceases when there is no further danger from an assailant. Thus,
where a person attacked under circumstances initially justifying self-defense renders the
attacker incapable of inflicting further injuries, the law of self-defense ceases and no
further force may be used.
The right of self-defense is not initially available to a person who assaults another.
However, if such person attempts to stop further combat and clearly informs the adversary

of his or her desire for peace but the opponent nevertheless continues the fight, the right of
self-defense returns and is the same as the right of any other person being assaulted.
4. POSSESSION AND TRANSPORTATION OF CONCEALED WEAPONS
Carrying a Concealed Handgun Without a License on One's Person or Concealed in a

Vehicle
Pursuant to Penal Code section 12025, a person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm
when he or she does any of the following:
• Carries concealed within any vehicle which is under his or her control, any pistol,
revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
• Carries concealed upon his or her person any pistol, revolver, or other firearm
capable of being concealed upon the person.
• Causes to be carried concealed within any vehicle in which he or she is an occupant
any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
NOTE: A firearm carried openly in a belt holster is not considered "concealed" as it

applies to the above prohibition. (Penal Code § 12025(f).)
Section 12025 does not apply to or affect any of the following:

• Any citizen of the United States or legal resident over the age of 18 years who
resides or is temporarily within this state, and who is not prohibited from owning or
possessing firearms pursuant to Penal Code sections 12021 or 12021.1 or section
8100 or 8101 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, may carry, either openly or
concealed, anywhere within his or her place of business, or on private property
owned or lawfully possessed by him or her any pistol, revolver, or other firearm
capable of being concealed upon the person. A permit or license to purchase, own,
possess, keep, or carry is not required under these circumstances. (Penal Code
§ 12026.)
• The transportation or carrying of any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of
being concealed upon the person by any citizen of the United States over the age of
18 years who resides or is temporarily within this state, and is not within the
excepted classes prescribed by Penal Code sections 12021 or 12021.1 or Welfare
and Institutions Code sections 8100 or 8103, provided that the following applies:
- the firearm is within a motor vehicle and it is locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a
locked container in the vehicle other than the utility or glove compartment; and

- when the firearm is carried by the person to or from any motor vehicle for any
lawful purpose, the firearm must be contained in a locked container while being
physically carried. (Penal Code § 12026.1.)
Penal Code Section 12025 does not apply to or affect the lawful transportation or
possession of a firearm under specific circumstances, including, but not limited to, the
following:
• The transportation of a firearm by a person who finds the firearm in order to comply
with Article 1 (commencing with section 2080) of Chapter 4 of Division 3 of the
Civil Code as it pertains to that firearm and if that firearm is being transported to a
law enforcement agency, the person gives prior notice to the law enforcement
agency that he or she is transporting the firearm to the law enforcement agency.
(Penal Code § 12026.2(a)(17).)
• The transportation of a firearm by a person who finds the firearm, and is
transporting it to a law enforcement agency for disposition according to law, if he or
she gives prior notice to the law enforcement agency that he or she is transporting
the firearm to the law enforcement agency for disposition according to law.
Firearms must be transported unloaded and in a locked container and the course of
travel shall include only those deviations between authorized locations, as
necessary. (Penal Code §§ 12026.2(a)(17), (18) and (b).)
• The carrying of a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon
the person by a person who is authorized to carry that weapon in a concealed
manner pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with section 12050) of the Penal Code.
• Members of any club or organization organized for the purpose of practicing
shooting at targets upon established target ranges, whether public or private, while
the members are using concealable firearms upon the target ranges.
• Authorized peace officers, retired peace officers, and retired federal officers or
agents as defined in Penal Code sections 830.1, 830.2, 830.5, 12027(a) and
12031(b).
• Licensed hunters or fishermen while engaged in hunting or fishing, or while going
to or returning from such hunting or fishing expeditions.
• The possession or transportation of unloaded pistols, revolvers, or other firearms
capable of being concealed upon the person as merchandise by a person who is
licensed in the business of manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in firearms.
• The carrying of unloaded pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being
concealed upon the person by duly authorized military or civil organizations while
parading, or the members thereof when going to and from the places of meeting of
their respective organizations.
• Guards or messengers of common carriers, banks, and other financial institutions

while actually employed in and about the shipment, transportation, or delivery of
any money, treasure, bullion, bonds, or other thing of value within this state.
• Transportation of unloaded firearms by a person operating a licensed common
carrier or an authorized agent or employee thereof when transported in conformance
with applicable federal law.
Notwithstanding the exceptions cited in Section 5. Loaded Firearms, individuals may not
carry or transport a loaded firearm. The firearm should be unloaded and placed in the
trunk of the vehicle, or if the vehicle has no trunk, placed in a fully enclosed secure locked
container other than the utility or glove compartment of a motor vehicle (Penal Code §§
12026.1, 12027.)
Licenses to Carry Concealed Weapons
A license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the
person may be granted to qualified residents of a county by the sheriff or to qualified
residents of a city by the chief or other head of the municipal police department of that
city. Such licenses are issued only after a finding that the applicant is of good moral
character, that good cause exists for such a license, and the applicant is not prohibited from
possessing firearms. Unless otherwise restricted, such a license is valid throughout the
state. Such a license may be valid for any amount of time not to exceed two years from the
date of issuance, unless issued to a judge or magistrate (valid for up to three years) or
specified custodial employees or reserve peace officers (valid for up to four years). (Penal
Code § 12050.)
A license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the
person may be granted by the sheriff of a county to an applicant who spends a substantial
amount of time employed within that county. Such a license is valid only in the county
issued and is valid for any period of time not to exceed 90 days from the date of issuance.
Where the population of the county is less than 200,000 persons, the licensing authority
may issue a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed
upon the person, loaded and exposed. (Penal Code § 12050.)
If a California licensee has a need to travel armed in another state, he or she should contact
authorities in the other state prior to leaving to determine if the license will be honored.

5. LOADED FIREARMS
Loaded Firearms in a Public Place
It is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm on one’s person or in a vehicle while in any public
place, on any public street, or in any place where it is unlawful to discharge a firearm.
(Penal Code § 12031(a)(1).)
A firearm is deemed loaded when there is a live cartridge or shell in, or attached in any
manner to, the firearm, including, but not limited to, the firing chamber, magazine, or clip
thereof attached to the firearm. A muzzle-loading firearm is deemed loaded when it is
capped or primed and has a powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or cylinder. (Penal
Code § 12031(g).)
For the purposes of Penal Code section 12023 (commission or attempted commission of a
felony while armed with a loaded firearm), a firearm is deemed loaded when both the
firearm and the unexpended ammunition capable of being discharged from the firearm are
in the immediate possession of the same person.
It is unlawful for the driver of any motor vehicle, or the owner of any motor vehicle
irrespective of whether the owner is occupying the vehicle, to knowingly permit any
person to carry a loaded firearm in the vehicle in violation of Penal Code section 12031, or
Fish and Game Code section 2006. (Penal Code § 12034.) Also, see “Other Prohibited
Acts,” page 49.
In order to determine whether a firearm is loaded, peace officers are authorized to examine
any firearm carried by anyone on his or her person or in a vehicle while in any public
place, on any public street, or in any prohibited area of an unincorporated territory.
Refusal to allow a peace officer to inspect a firearm pursuant to these provisions is, in
itself, grounds for arrest. (Penal Code § 12031(e).)
Exceptions
The prohibition against possessing loaded firearms in a public place does not apply to:
• Any person hunting in an area where firearm possession and hunting is otherwise
lawful. (Penal Code § 12031(i).)
• Any person who carries a loaded firearm while engaged in the act of making or
attempting to make a lawful arrest, provided such possession is otherwise lawful.
(Penal Code § 12031(k).)

• Any person carrying a loaded firearm, if otherwise lawful, when he or she
reasonably believes his or her person or property is in immediate, grave danger and
that the carrying of the loaded firearm is necessary for preservation of the person or
property during the time interval following notification of the local law enforcement
agency when reasonably possible, and prior to the arrival of its assistance. (Penal
Code § 12031)(j)(1).)
• Any of the following persons, provided they meet all criteria for such exemption,
such as possession of special occupational licenses or completion of the required
firearms training provided for in Penal Code sections 12031(b), (c), and (d):
- Active or honorably retired peace officers.
- Members of the military forces of this state or the United States engaged in the
performance of their duties.
- Target shooters at target ranges and shooting club members while hunting on the
club premises, provided possession and use of the firearm is otherwise lawful.
- Holders of licenses to carry concealed handguns.
- Armored vehicle guards.
- Animal control officers or zookeepers.
- Guards or messengers of common carriers, banks, and other financial institutions.
- Guards of contract carriers operating armored vehicles.
- Private investigators, private patrol operators, and alarm company operators.
- Uniformed security guards or night watchpersons employed by any public agency.
- Uniformed security guards and uniformed alarm agents of an alarm company
operator.
- Uniformed employees of private patrol operators.
NOTE: Peace officers and honorably retired peace officers having properly endorsed
identification certificates may carry a concealed weapon at any time. Otherwise, these
exemptions apply only when the firearm is carried within the scope of the exempted
conduct, such as hunting or target shooting, or within the course and scope of assigned
duties, such as an armored vehicle guard transporting money for his employer. A person
who carries a loaded firearm outside the limits of the applicable exemption is in violation
of the law, notwithstanding his or her possession of an occupational license or firearms
training certificate. (Penal Code § 12031(b).)
Firearms in the Home or Business
Any person over the age of 18 who is not prohibited from possessing firearms, and if
otherwise lawful, may keep and carry a firearm or have a firearm loaded at his or her place
of residence, temporary residence, campsite, or on private property owned or lawfully
possessed by the person. (Penal Code §§ 12026, 12031(h) and (l).) Any person engaged

in any lawful business (including nonprofit organizations) or any officer, employee, or
agent authorized for lawful purposes connected with the business may possess a loaded
firearm within the place of business if that person is over 18 years of age and not otherwise
prohibited from possessing firearms. (Penal Code §§ 12026, 12031(h).)
NOTE: A person’s place of business, residence, temporary residence, campsite, or private

property may be located in areas where possession of handguns or other firearms, whether
loaded or unloaded, is otherwise prohibited. Such areas include, but are not limited to,
state, federal, or private game reserves or refuges, federal and state parks, and other public
lands. Questions regarding the applicability of such laws should be directed to your sheriff
or chief of police, federal or state fish and game officers, or federal or state park rangers.
Carrying Unregistered Loaded Handguns
Any person who commits the crime of carrying a concealed handgun and ammunition for
that handgun on his/her person or in his/her vehicle may be subject to a felony
enhancement if the handgun is not on file (registered) in the Department of Justice’s
Automated Firearms System. (Penal Code § 12025.)
Any person who commits the crime of carrying a loaded (not necessarily concealed)
handgun on his/her person in a prohibited place may be guilty of a felony if the handgun is
not on file (registered) in the Department of Justice’s Automated Firearms System. (Penal
Code § 12031.)
NOTE: Handgun dealer record of sale transactions occurring before 1980 generally are
not registered in the Department’s Automated Firearms System. However, these records
are on file with the Department of Justice. Upon individual request, the Attorney General
shall place records of pre-1980 transfers of handguns into the Automated Firearms System.
6. FIREARMS AND PICKETING ACTIVITY
It is unlawful for any person to carry a loaded firearm upon his or her person or within any
vehicle under his or her control or direction while engaged in picketing activity. (Penal
Code § 12590(a)(2).) Picketing activity means any informational activities conducted in a
public place relating to a concerted refusal to work.

General Exceptions Are Not Applicable
The exceptions regarding loaded firearms provided for peace officers, bank guards,
armored vehicle guards, licensed hunters or fishermen, private investigators, and other
persons in Section 5. Loaded Firearms of this publication, do not apply if such
individuals are engaged in picketing activities as described above. (Penal Code
§ 12590(c).)
7. FLAREGUNS
A flaregun is any loaded or unloaded rocket, rocket propelled projectile launcher, or

similar device designed primarily for emergency or distress-signaling purposes. (Penal
Code § 12031.1.) Because a flaregun is not designed to be used as a weapon, generally it
is not considered a firearm as defined in Penal Code sections 12001(a) and (b). However,
the following prohibitions also apply to flareguns:
• prohibitions against carrying concealed firearms (Penal Code § 12025.); and
• prohibitions against carrying loaded firearms in public. (Penal Code § 12031.)
NOTE: Pursuant to Penal Code section 12031.1, a person may lawfully store a loaded or
unloaded flaregun aboard a vessel or aircraft. A person may also possess a loaded or
unloaded flaregun while in or traveling to and from a permitted hunting area, if the
individual is carrying a valid California hunting permit or license.
8. SALES, LOANS, AND OTHER TRANSFERS OF FIREARMS
Handgun Purchases Limited to One Per 30-Days
It is unlawful for a person to apply to purchase more than one handgun within any 30-day
period. (Penal Code § 12072(a).)
Exceptions
The one-handgun-per-30-day limit does not apply to:
• Any law enforcement agency or agency duly authorized to perform law

enforcement duties.
• Any state or local correctional facility.
• Any private security company licensed to do business in California.

• Any person who is properly identified as a full-time paid peace officer who carries a
firearm during the course and scope of his or her employment as a peace officer.
• Any motion picture, television, or video production company or entertainment or
theatrical company whose production by its nature involves the use of firearms.
• Any person who may, pursuant to Penal Code section 12078, claim an exemption
from the waiting period set forth in Penal Code section 12072.
• Any transaction between private parties conducted through a licensed firearms
dealer. or sheriff’s department.
• Any person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with
Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued
pursuant thereto and who has a current certificate of eligibility issued by the
Department of Justice.
• The exchange of a handgun where the dealer purchased that handgun from the
person seeking the exchange within the 30-day period immediately preceding the
date of exchange or replacement.
• The replacement of a handgun that has been reported to law enforcement as lost or
stolen prior to the time of application to purchase.
• The return of any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon
the person to its owner.
Handgun Safety, Functionality, and Testing Requirements
No handgun may be manufactured or sold to the public in California unless it is of a make

and model that has passed required safety and functionality tests and is approved for
publication in the Department of Justice’s official list of handguns certified as safe for sale
in California. Any person who manufactures, imports into the state for sale, sells, gives, or
lends an unsafe handgun is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Penal Code § 12125.)
The current list of handguns certified as safe for sale in California is available on the
Firearms Division’s website at http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/certlist.htm.
Exceptions
The prohibition against manufacturing, importing, selling, or giving an unsafe handgun

does not apply to the following:
• The manufacture in this state, or importation into this state, of any prototype
handgun when the manufacture or importation is for the sole purpose of allowing an
independent laboratory certified by the Department of Justice to conduct an

independent test to determine whether that handgun qualifies to be added to the
roster of handguns that may be sold in this state. (Penal Code § 12125.)
• The importation or lending of a handgun by employees or authorized agents of an
independent testing laboratory for purposes of determining whether the weapon
meets Department of Justice criteria to be added to the roster of handguns that may
be sold in this state. (Penal Code § 12125.)
• Firearms listed as curios or relics, as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the
Code of Federal Regulations. (Penal Code § 12125.)
The requirements for handguns to pass safety and functionality tests and to be listed in the
Department of Justice’s official list of handguns certified as safe for sale in California do
not apply to transactions involving the following:
• Private party transfers of handguns occurring through a firearms dealer. or sheriff’s

department. (Penal Code § 12132(a).)
• Firearm transfers that, subject to any specified exemption, are not required to be
conducted by firearms dealers. (Penal Code § 12132(b).)
• Sales, loans, or transfers of firearms listed as curios or relics, as defined in Section
178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (Penal Code §§ 12132(c)
and (g).)
• The delivery of a handgun to a licensed firearms dealer for the purposes of
servicing or repairing that firearm and the subsequent return of the handgun by the
licensed firearms dealer to its owner. (Penal Code § 12132(d) and (e).)
• The return of a handgun by a licensed firearms dealer to its owner where that
firearm was initially delivered to that firearms dealer for the purpose of a
consignment sale or as collateral for a pawnbroker loan. (Penal Code § 12132(f).)
• Single-action revolvers with at least a five-cartridge capacity, a barrel length of not
less than three inches, and either: (a) were originally manufactured prior to 1900
and are curios or relics, as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of
Federal Regulations; or (b) have an overall length measured parallel to the barrel of
at least seven and one-half inches when the handle, frame or receiver, and barrel are
assembled. (Penal Code § 12133.)
• Single-shot pistols with a barrel length of not less than six inches and that have an
overall length of at least 10 ½ inches when the handle, frame or receiver, and barrel
are assembled. (Penal Code § 12133.)
• The following pistols sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and by
USA Shooting, the national governing body for international shooting competition
in the United States, and that are used for Olympic target shooting purposes (Penal
Code § 12133.):
MANUFACTURER MODEL CALIBER

ANSCHUTZ FP .22LR
BENELLI MP90 .22LR
BENELLI MP95 .22LR
DRULOV FP .22LR
GREEN ELECTROARM .22LR
HAMMERLI 100 .22LR
HAMMERLI 101 .22LR
HAMMERLI 102 .22LR
HAMMERLI 162 .22LR
HAMMERLI 280 .22LR
HAMMERLI 280 .32 S&W LONG
HAMMERLI FP10 .22LR
HAMMERLI MP33 .22LR
HAMMERLI SP20 .22LR
HAMMERLI SP20 .32 S&W LONG
MORINI CM102E .22LR
MORINI 22M .22LR
MORINI 32M .32 S&W LONG
MORINI CM80 .22LR
PARDINI GP .22 SHORT
PARDINI GPO .22 SHORT
PARDINI GP-SCHUMANN .22 SHORT
PARDINI HP .32 S&W LONG
PARDINI K22 .22LR
PARDINI MP .32 S&W LONG
PARDINI PGP75 .22LR
PARDINI SP .22LR
PARDINI SPE .22LR
SAKO FINMASTER .22LR
STEYR FP .22LR
VOSTOK IZH NO. 1 .22LR
VOSTOK MU55 .22LR
VOSTOK TOZ35 .22LR
WALTHER FP .22LR
WALTHER GSP .22LR
WALTHER GSP .32 S&W LONG
WALTHER OSP .22 SHORT

WALTHER OSP-2000 .22 SHORT
• (3) Any model of competitive pistol that has been expressly identified by the
Department of Justice as exempt from the testing requirement. The Department of
Justice exemption may be based on recommendations by USA Shooting or may be
based on the recommendation or rules of any other organization that the Department
of Justice deems relevant. The current list of exempt pistols is available on the
Firearms Division website at http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/op.pdf.
• The sale, loan, or transfer of a semiautomatic pistol that is to be used solely as a prop
for a motion picture, television, or video production by an authorized participant
therein or by an authorized employee or agent of the entity producing that
production or event. (Penal Code § 12132.)
Sales, Loans, or Transfers of Firearms
It is unlawful for a person who is not a licensed firearms dealer pursuant to Penal Code
section 12071, to sell, loan, or otherwise transfer a firearm to a non-licensed person unless
the sale, loan, or transfer is completed through a licensed firearms dealer. or law
enforcement agency. (Penal Code §§ 12071, 12072, 12082.), 12084.)
Exceptions
1) The dealer licensing and reporting requirements do not apply to the sale, lease, or
transfer of any firearm in the following instances (Penal Code § 12078(u)):
• Firearms obtained by individuals through operation of law, such as:
- the executor or administrator of an estate;
- a trustee in a bankruptcy proceeding;
- an assignee for creditors;
- a receiver for an estate in receivership;
- a surviving spouse;
- a transfer of property between spouses.
NOTE: Concealable firearms obtained by any of the preceding means must be reported to
the Department of Justice on forms provided by the Department of Justice. (Penal Code
§ 12078(i)(1).)
- a levying officer as defined in sections 481.140, 511.060, or 680.260 of the
Code of Civil Procedure;
- firearms received by the family of a police officer or deputy sheriff from a
local agency pursuant to section 50081 of the Government Code;

- the transfer of a firearm by a law enforcement agency to the person who found
the firearm where the delivery is to the finder pursuant to Article 1

(commencing with section 2080) of Chapter 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code;
• Firearms obtained through intestate succession or by bequest, sales or transfers
between “immediate family” members. Immediate family means parent and child,
and grandparent and grandchild. (NOTE: Individuals who receive a concealable
firearm in this manner must obtain a Handgun Safety Certificate. The acquisition of
a handgun in this manner must be reported within 30 days to the Department of
Justice on forms provided by the Department of Justice.) (Penal Code §§
12078(i)(1)(B), 12078(c)(2)(A).)
NOTE: The infrequent sale, lease, or transfer of firearms between individuals - meaning
five or fewer sales per year of any number of handguns or irregular and occasional sales of
other firearms is allowed. However, such sales/transfers must be completed through a
dealer licensed pursuant to Penal Code section 12071.
2) The dealer licensing and reporting requirements do not apply to the loan of any firearm
in the following instances:
• Infrequent loans of firearms between persons who are personally known to each
other for any lawful purpose, if the loan does not exceed 30 days in duration. (Penal
Code § 12078(d).)
• Loans of a firearm for the purpose of shooting at targets on the premises of a target
facility if the firearm is kept within the premises of the target facility at all times.
(Penal Code § 12078(h).)
• Loans of an unloaded firearm or a firearm loaded with blanks for use solely as a
prop for motion picture, television or other entertainment event. (Penal Code
§ 12078(s).)
• Loans of a long gun to a licensed hunter for a period of time not to exceed the
hunting season for which the firearm is being used. (Penal Code § 12078(q).)
• Loans to minors by a parent, legal guardian, or grandparent:
- Long guns may be loaned for an indefinite period.
- Handguns may be loaned for the purpose of engaging in a lawful activity, and
the loan does not exceed the period of time necessary to participate in the
activity.
• Loans to minors by other than a parent or legal guardian:
- Long guns may be loaned with the express permission of a parent or legal
guardian if the loan does not exceed 30 days.
- Handguns may be loaned with the express permission of a parent or legal
guardian for not more than 10 days. (Penal Code § 12078(p).)

NOTE: A processing fee is assessed on all firearm reporting to the Department of Justice,
such as voluntary registrations and transfers through operation of law. (Penal

Code § 12076(e)(1).)
Handgun Safety Certificate
No handgun may be delivered by a firearms dealer unless the purchaser or transferee

presents to the dealer a Handgun Safety Certificate. Additionally, no firearms dealer may
deliver a handgun without first requiring the recipient to correctly and properly perform a
safe handling demonstration with that handgun for a Department of Justice certified
instructor. (Penal Code § 12071(b)(8).)
Exceptions
A Handgun Safety Certificate shall not be required for handgun transfers to the following:
• Any active or honorably retired peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5
(commencing with section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code .
• Any active or honorably retired federal officer or law enforcement agent.
• Any reserve peace officer, as defined in Penal Code section 832.6.
• Any person who has successfully completed the course of training specified in Penal
Code section 832.
• A firearms dealer licensed pursuant to Penal Code section 12071, who is acting in
the course and scope of his or her activities as a person licensed pursuant to Penal
Code section 12071.
• A federally licensed collector who is acquiring or being loaned a handgun that is a
curio or relic, as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, who has a current certificate of eligibility issued to him or her by the
Department of Justice pursuant to Penal Code section 12071.
• A person to whom a handgun is being returned, where the person receiving the
firearm is the owner of the firearm.
• A family member of a peace officer or deputy sheriff from a local agency who
receives a firearm pursuant to Government Code section 50081.
• Any individual who has a valid concealed weapons permit issued pursuant to Penal
Code section 12050.
• An active, or honorably retired member of the United States Armed Forces, the
National Guard, the Air National Guard, the active reserve components of the United
States, where individuals in those organizations are properly identified.

• Any person who is authorized to carry loaded firearms pursuant to subdivision (c) or
(d) of Penal Code section 12031.
• Persons who are the holder of a special weapons permit issued by the Department of
Justice pursuant to Penal Code sections 12095, 12230, 12250, or 12305.
• Persons who obtain a handgun through operation of law in a representative capacity
pursuant to Penal Code section 12078(i).
California Residency Requirement
No firearms dealer may deliver a handgun unless the intended recipient presents
satisfactory documentation indicating that he or she is a California resident. Satisfactory
documentation includes a utility bill from within the last three months, a residential lease, a
property deed, military permanent duty station orders indicating assignment within this
state, or other evidence of residency as permitted by the Department of Justice. Acceptable
documentation does not include passports, account statements from financial institutions,
or pay stubs. (Penal Code § 12071(b)(8).)
Sales, Loans, and Transfers of Firearms by Personal Handgun Importers
Any person who meets the definition of a personal handgun importer who moves into
California with the intention of establishing residency in this state, must report his or her
ownership of any handgun acquired outside California to the Department of Justice within
60 days.
A personal handgun importer means an individual who meets specific criteria, which
includes, but is not limited to, any person age 18 or older, who is not a licensed firearms
dealer or manufacturer, and who owns and intends to possess within this state on or after
January 1, 1998, any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the
person that is not an assault weapon or machinegun, as defined by law. (Penal Code §
12001(n).)
Personal handgun importers shall report handgun ownership by choosing one of the
following options:
• Forward by prepaid mail or deliver in person to the Department of Justice, a report
prescribed by the department. Forms are available from the Department of Justice,
firearms dealers, law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Motor Vehicles;
• Sell or transfer the firearm in accordance with the provisions of Penal Code section

12072(d);
• Sell or transfer the firearm to a dealer licensed pursuant to Penal Code section
12071;
• Sell or transfer the firearm to a sheriff or police department. (If this option is chosen,
individuals should notify the agency in advance that they intend to transport the
handgun to that agency, and it should be transported unloaded and in a locked
container). (Penal Code §§ 12026.2 (a)(18), 12072(f)(2)(A).)
Sales or Transfers of Firearms to Mental Patients
It is unlawful for any person to knowingly sell, loan, supply, give, or allow possession or
control of any firearm or other deadly weapon to a person who is deemed to be a danger to
self or others and is a mental patient in a facility or on leave of absence from the facility;
communicates a serious threat of physical violence against another to a licensed
psychotherapist; adjudicated a danger to others or a mentally disordered sex offender;
found not guilty by reason of insanity of any crime; found incompetent to stand trial;
placed under conservatorship by a court as gravely disabled wherein possession of a
firearm would present a danger to self or others, or who has been taken into custody and
placed in a county mental health facility for treatment and evaluation because he or she is a
danger to self or others as a result of a mental disorder. (Welfare and Institutions Code §§
8100, 8101, 8103.)
Sales or Transfers of Firearms or Related Devices to Minors
It is unlawful for a firearms dealer to sell a handgun to any person under the age of 21 or
any other firearm to a person under the age of 18. (Penal Code § 12072(b).)
NOTE: Violation of this prohibition where the violation involves the delivery of any
firearm to a person who the dealer knows, or should know, is a minor, is punishable as a
felony.
No person, corporation, or firm shall sell, loan, or transfer a firearm to a minor. (Penal
Code § 12072(a)(3).)
NOTE: See "Exceptions" on page 44 for loans of firearms to minors.
It is unlawful for any person to sell ammunition or reloaded ammunition to a person under
18 years of age. (Penal Code § 12316(a)(1)(A).)
It is unlawful for any person to sell any ammunition or reloaded ammunition designed and

intended for use in a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the
person handgun to a person knowing that person to be under 21 years of age. Where
ammunition or reloaded ammunition may be used in both a rifle and a handgun it may be
sold to a person who is at least 18 years of age, but less than 21 years of age, if the vendor
reasonably believes that the ammunition is being acquired for use in a rifle and not a
handgun. (Penal Code § 12316(a)(1)(B).)
It is unlawful for any person to sell or furnish a BB device to any minor without
permission of the minor’s parent or legal guardian. (Penal Code §§ 12551, 12552.)
It is unlawful for a minor to possess a handgun unless one of the following circumstances
exists:
• the minor is accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian and the minor is
actively engaged in a lawful recreational sporting, ranching, or hunting activity, or a
motion picture, television, or other entertainment event;
• the minor is accompanied by a responsible adult and has prior written consent of his
or her parent or legal guardian and is involved in one of the activities cited above;
and
• the minor is at least 16 years of age, has prior written consent of his or her parent or
legal guardian, and the minor is involved in one of the activities cited above.
It is unlawful for a minor to possess live ammunition unless one of the following
circumstances exists:
• the minor has the written consent of his or her parent or legal guardian to possess
live ammunition;
• the minor is accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian;
• the minor is actively engaged in, or is going to or from, a lawful recreational sport,
including, but not limited to, competitive shooting, or agricultural, ranching, or
hunting activity, the nature of which involves the use of a firearm.
Sales, Manufacture, Possession, or Transportation of Machineguns
It is unlawful for persons to sell, manufacture, possess, or transport machineguns unless

they possess a license or permit issued by the Department of Justice. (Penal Code §§
12220, 12230.)
Use of United States Postal Service, Private Parcel Delivery, or Common Carrier

Long guns may be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, as well as most private parcel
delivery services or common carriers. Handguns may not be sent through the U.S. Postal
Service. A common or contract carrier must be used for shipment of handguns.
Federal and state laws generally prohibit the carrying upon the person of any firearm or
ammunition aboard any commercial passenger airplane. Similar restrictions may apply to
other common carriers such as trains, ships, and buses. Persons who need to carry or
transport firearms or ammunition on a common carrier should always consult the carrier in
advance.
9. FORFEITURES OF FIREARMS
Forfeiture for Violation of the Penal Code
Penal Code section 12028 requires forfeiture of (a) any weapon illegally carried upon the
person or within any vehicle and (b) any firearm illegally owned, possessed, or used in the
commission or attempted commission of any felony or specified misdemeanor. Penal
Code section 12029 requires forfeiture of any short-barreled shotgun, short-barreled rifle,
cane gun, wallet gun, plastic firearm, firearm not immediately recognizable as a firearm,
zip gun or unconventional pistol as specified in Penal Code section 12020. Penal Code
section 12251 requires forfeiture of any machinegun possessed in violation of the permit
and/or license provisions of Penal Code sections 12230 through 12250.
Forfeiture for Violation of the Fish and Game Code
Fish and Game Code section 12157 permits the court to order forfeiture of any device
illegally used to take birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians. Depending upon the
facts of the case, this forfeiture may include firearms.
10. OTHER PROHIBITED ACTS
Obliteration or Alteration of Firearm Identification
It is a felony to obliterate or alter the name of the maker, model, serial number, or other
mark of identification, including any distinguishing mark lawfully assigned to a firearm by
the owner or by the Department of Justice. (Penal Code § 12090.)
Possession of any pistol or revolver having its identification obliterated or altered is

presumptive evidence that the possessor performed the obliteration or alteration. (Penal
Code § 12091.)
It is unlawful for a person to buy, sell, or possess a firearm knowing its identification has
been obliterated or altered. Exceptions include, but are not limited to, the possession and
disposition of a firearm pursuant to Penal Code section 12094(a) by a person who is not
prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition and possessed the firearm no
longer than was necessary to deliver it to a law enforcement agency for disposition
according to law. Prior notice must be given to law enforcement before transporting it to
that agency for disposition and firearms must be transported unloaded and in a locked
container, as defined by Penal Code section 12026.2(d). (Penal Code § 12094.)
Firearms on School Grounds
It is unlawful for any person to possess or bring a firearm upon the grounds of, into, or
within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of a school providing instruction in
kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or a campus of the University of California,
California State University, or California community colleges. (Penal Code § 626.9.)
Exceptions
• A person who has the written permission of the school district superintendent,
designee, or equivalent school authority.
• Within a place of residence or place of business or on private property, if the place
of residence, place of business, or private property is not part of the school grounds
and the possession of the firearm is otherwise lawful.
• If the firearm is an unloaded handgun in a locked container or within the locked
trunk of a motor vehicle, or the otherwise lawful transportation of an unloaded long
gun.
• The possession or transportation of firearms by a person who is engaged in the
business of manufacturing, importing, wholesaling, repairing, or dealing in firearms
and who is licensed to engage in that business or the authorized representative or
authorized agent of that person while engaged in the lawful course of business.
• Guards or messengers of common carriers, banks, and other financial institutions
while actually employed in and about the shipment, transportation, or delivery of
money, treasure, etc.
• Transportation of unloaded firearms by a person operating a licensed common
carrier or an authorized agent or employee thereof when transported in conformance
with applicable federal law.

• The carrying of unloaded handguns by duly authorized military or civil
organizations while parading or the members thereof when going to and from the
places of meeting of their respective organizations.
• Any peace officer pursuant to Penal Code section 830 who is carrying out official
duties.
• Any person summoned by such peace officer to assist in making an arrest or
preserving the peace while actually so engaged.
• Members of federal or state military forces while engaged in performance of duty.
• Any person authorized to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to Penal Code section
12050.
• An armored vehicle guard while engaged in performance of duty pursuant to
Business and Professions Code section 7521.
• A security guard authorized to carry a loaded firearm pursuant to Penal Code section
12030.
• An existing shooting range at a public or private school or university or college
campus.
• An honorably retired peace officer authorized to carry a concealed or loaded firearm.
Drawing/Exhibiting Loaded Firearm on Juvenile Activities Grounds
It is unlawful for any person to draw or exhibit any loaded or unloaded firearm in a rude,
angry, or threatening manner or use any loaded or unloaded firearm in any fight or quarrel
upon the grounds of any day care center, playground, or public or private youth center, or
facility where programs are being conducted for persons under 18 years of age. (Penal
Code §§ 417 (b), 626.95.)
Discharge of Firearms at Inhabited/Occupied Dwellings, Buildings, Vehicles, Aircraft
It is unlawful for any person to maliciously and willfully discharge a firearm at an

inhabited dwelling house, occupied building, occupied motor vehicle, occupied aircraft,
inhabited housecar, or inhabited camper. (Penal Code § 246.) Persons convicted of a
felony or an attempt to commit a felony which involved the discharge of a firearm at an
occupied motor vehicle causing great bodily injury or the death of another are subject to a
sentence of five years in prison in addition and consecutive to the sentence prescribed for
the felony. (Penal Code § 12022.5.)

Discharge of Firearms at Unoccupied/Uninhabited Aircraft, Unoccupied Motor
Vehicles, Buildings, Dwellings
It is a felony for anyone to willfully and maliciously discharge a firearm at an unoccupied

aircraft. It is a public offense punishable by a jail or prison sentence of up to one year for
any person to discharge a firearm at an unoccupied motor vehicle, uninhabited building or
dwelling except for an abandoned vehicle, an unoccupied vehicle, or an uninhabited
building or dwelling with permission of the owner and otherwise lawful. (Penal Code §
247.)
Discharge of a Firearm From a Motor Vehicle
Any person who causes the death of another person by means of discharging a firearm
from a motor vehicle, intentionally at another person outside the vehicle with the intent to
inflict death, is guilty of murder of the first degree, punishable by death, confinement in
the state prison for life without possibility of parole, or confinement in the state prison for
25 years to life. (Penal Code §§ 189, 190.)
Any person who causes the death of a person who is not an occupant of a motor vehicle is
guilty of murder of the second degree, punishable by confinement in the state prison for 20
years to life if the killing was perpetrated as a result of discharging a firearm from a motor
vehicle with the intent to inflict great bodily injury. (Penal Code § 190(d).)
Persons with proven intent who inflict great bodily injury, as defined in Penal Code section
12022.7, or cause the death of a person who is not an occupant of a motor vehicle as a
result of discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony or
attempted felony shall be punished by a term of five years in addition, and consecutive to,
the punishment prescribed for the felony. (Penal Code § 12022.55.)
A driver or owner of a motor vehicle who allows any person to discharge a firearm from
the vehicle may be punished by up to three years imprisonment in state prison and any
person who willfully and maliciously discharges a firearm from a motor vehicle at a person
who is not an occupant of a motor vehicle is guilty of a felony punishable by up to seven
years in state prison. (Penal Code § 12034.)
Any person who maliciously and willfully discharges a firearm at an occupied motor
vehicle from another motor vehicle and the victim suffers paralysis as defined, or
paraparesis as defined, of a major body part, including, but not limited to, the entire hand
or foot, shall be punished by an additional term of four years. (Penal Code § 12022.9.)

Threatening Acts with Firearms on Public Streets or Highways
It is a felony for a person to draw or exhibit a firearm that is loaded or unloaded in a

threatening manner against an occupant of a motor vehicle which is on a public street or
highway in such a way that would cause a reasonable person apprehension or fear of
bodily harm. (Penal Code § 417.3.)
Threatening Acts with Imitation Firearms
It is a misdemeanor for a person to draw or exhibit an imitation firearm in a threatening

manner against another in a way which would cause a reasonable person apprehension or
fear of bodily harm. An imitation firearm means any BB device, toy gun, replica of a
firearm, or other device that is so substantially similar in coloration and overall appearance
to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a
firearm. (Penal Code §§ 417.4, 12550.)
Threatening Acts With a Laser Scope
A laser scope is a portable battery-powered device capable of being attached to a firearm

and projecting a laser light on objects at a distance. It is a misdemeanor to knowingly draw
or exhibit a laser scope that projects a colored target on a person in a threatening manner,
except in self-defense. (Penal Code § 417.25.)
Forfeiture of Vehicles Used in Offenses Involving the Discharge or Brandishing of a

Firearm
Courts are required to order the forfeiture and sale of motor vehicles used in the
commission of first or second degree murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, assault
with a deadly weapon or the unlawful discharge or brandishing of a firearm from, or at an
occupied vehicle where a victim is killed, attacked or assaulted from, or in a motor vehicle
by the use of a firearm on public streets and highways. (Penal Code § 246.1.)
Sell or Distribute Imitation Firearms
Any person who, for commercial purposes, sells, manufactures, distributes, purchases,
ships or transports, by mail order or any other manner, or receives, an imitation firearm
(realistic replica of an existing firearm) may be liable for fines of up to $10,000 for each
violation. (Penal Code § 12555.)

Advertising of Prohibited Weapons
It is unlawful for any person to advertise the sale of any firearm or other weapon whose
possession is prohibited by Penal Code sections 12020, 12220, 12280, 12303, 12320,
12321, 12355, or 12520. (Penal Code § 12020.5.)
Anyone having a question on the possession, purchase, or carrying of a firearm or the

legality of any shooting act should consult their local law enforcement agency or law
library, or seek advice from a lawyer.
11. FIREARM SAFETY INSTRUCTION
Certificate of Completion for Hunting Licenses
Fish and Game Code section 3050 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 14,
section 710, provide that no hunting license shall be issued unless the applicant presents:
• evidence that he or she has held a hunting license issued by this state in a prior year;
or
• evidence that he or she holds a current hunting license issued by another state or
province; or
• a certificate of completion of a course in hunter safety, principles of conservation,
and sportsmanship, as provided in this article, with a hunter safety instruction
validation stamp affixed thereto; or
• a certificate of successful completion of a hunter safety course in another state or
province; or
• evidence of completion of a course in hunter safety, principles of conservation, and
sportsmanship, which the commission may, by regulation, require.
The Department of Fish and Game designates hunter safety instructors qualified to give
hunter safety instruction and issue the certificate required above. Persons desiring to take a
course in hunter safety training for licensing may write or call the nearest Department of
Fish and Game office for a list of instructors in their area:
Department of Fish and Game (Region 1)

601 Locust Street
Redding, California 96001
(530) 225-2300

1701 Nimbus Road, Suite A
Rancho Cordova, California 95670
(916) 358-2900

P. O. Box 47
Yountville, California 94599
(707) 944-5500

1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710
(559) 243-4005 X 151

4949 Viewridge Avenue
San Diego, California 92123
(619) 467-4200

4775 Bird Farm Road
Chino Hills, California 91709
(909) 597-9823
Handgun Training for Security Guards, Etc.
Private patrol operators, security guards, alarm company operators, responding alarm
agents, and private investigators must complete a firearms training course before carrying a
firearm on duty. (Business and Professions Code §§ 7542, 7545, and 7596.)
The course was developed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and
Investigative Services, and is offered by bureau-certified instructors to bureau licensees.
Training is approximately 14 hours and includes the following:
• The moral and legal aspects of firearms usage.
• Firearms nomenclature and maintenance.
• Weapon handling and shooting fundamentals.
• Emergency procedures.

• Prequalification range training, including the firing of practice rounds.
• Qualification with firearm.
• Examination.
Course instructors must be approved by the California Department of Consumer Affairs,

Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Fees for the instruction are negotiated
between the instructor and student. Person interested in taking such a course may contact
the bureau for a list of certified schools in their area:
Department of Consumer Affairs

Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
400 R Street, Suite 3080
Sacramento, California 95814-6873
(916) 445-7724
NOTE: Completion of this training does not authorize a person to carry a firearm unless
he or she possesses a valid firearm permit issued by the bureau and is on duty and properly
licensed as a private patrol operator, security guard, alarm company operator, responding
alarm agent, or private investigator. The firearms permit allows the bearer to carry an
exposed firearm while on duty.
Firearm Safety and Training Courses Provided by Gun/Shooting Clubs or

Associations
Some firearm clubs or associations regularly provide firearm safety training courses for the
general public as well as for their members. Such clubs are listed in the yellow pages of
the telephone directory. In addition, managers of public or private shooting ranges may
give interested persons information on how to contact clubs or associations using their
ranges for training courses. Ranges are also listed in the yellow pages of the telephone
directory.
Handgun Safety Certificate Requirement
Effective January 1, 2003, any person who wishes to receive a handgun through a sale or
transfer must have a valid Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) or a qualifying exemption.
Any person who wishes to obtain an HSC must pass a written test that includes, but is not
limited to, laws applicable to carrying and handling firearms, particularly handguns;
responsibilities of ownership of firearms, particularly handguns; the law related to the

private sale/transfer of firearms; the law as it relates to the permissible use of lethal force;
safe firearm storage; and issues & prevention strategies associated with bringing firearms
into the home. (Penal Code § 12071(b)(8).)
A DOJ Certified Instructor may charge each HSC applicant a fee of up to $25 to cover the
costs of providing the test and issuing the certificate. (Penal Code § 12805.)
Any person who is interested in becoming a DOJ Certified Instructor may obtain further
information and an application form by writing to:
Department of Justice
Firearms Division
DOJ Certified Instructors
P.O. Box 820200
Sacramento, California 94203-0200
Safe Handling Demonstration
Any person who takes delivery of a handgun from a firearms dealer must first successfully
demonstrate to a DOJ Certified Instructor that he or she is able to handle that handgun
safely and that he or she can properly operate all of the safety features. Any person who
has an exemption to the HSC requirement is also exempt from this requirement. (Penal
Code §12071(b)(8)(D).)
Safe Handling and Storage of Firearms
Under the Children’s Firearm Accident Prevention Act of 1991, any person who keeps a
loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it, may be fined or sent to prison.
(Penal Code §§ 12035, 12036, 12071.)
To prevent unnecessary injury or death caused by improper storage of firearms in the home
where children (under age 18) are likely to be present, and to help prevent the possibility of
criminal prosecution, all firearms should be unloaded, locked with a trigger locking device
that renders the firearm inoperable, and stored in a locked container.
Ammunition should be stored in a location separate from the firearm. Other means of safe
storage include trigger locking devices, or locking firearm safes or cabinets. For
information on obtaining firearm safety devices or how they operate, contact a firearms
dealer, firearms club or association which promotes firearm safety training courses, the
manufacturer of such devices, or visit the Department of Justice Firearms Division website
at http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/certlist.htm.

It is the responsibility of every firearm owner to be knowledgeable regarding the operation
of firearms in his or her possession. When handling firearms, the following precautions
should be taken:
• Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction - never at yourself or others.
Generally, it is safest to point the firearm upward or downward.
• Never place your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Instead, rest
your trigger finger around the grip of the gun.
• Always keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use. If you are not sure if the
firearm is loaded, and you do not know how to open the gun’s action, leave it alone
and get help from someone who knows how to operate the firearm.
• Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
Information regarding the operation of a specific firearm is generally available from the
gun manufacturer. If information regarding a specific firearm cannot be obtained from the
manufacturer, local firearm dealers or private gun organizations that promote firearm
safety and training may be of assistance.
NOTE: These basic safety tips have been provided as a public service and are not
intended to cover all aspects of firearm use and storage, nor are they intended to take the
place of any firearms training course.
A handbook containing basic firearms safety information is available from the Department
of Justice to licensed firearm dealers, who shall have it available to the general public.
12. FIREARM SAFETY DEVICE REQUIREMENT
Each firearm sold, transferred, or manufactured in California must be accompanied with a

firearm safety device approved by the Department of Justice and identified as appropriate
for that firearm. The Department of Justice is required to compile and publish a listing of
all of the safety devices that have been determined to meet the department’s standards. A
list of these devices is available on the Department of Justice Firearms Division website at
http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/fsdcertlist.htm. (Penal Code § 12088.1.)
The term “long-gun safe” is distinct from “gun safe” and “firearms safety device.” A
“long-gun safe” means a locking container designed to fully contain and secure a rifle or a
shotgun. A “long-gun safe” must have a locking system consisting of either a mechanical
combination lock or an electronic combination lock that has at least 1,000 possible unique

combinations consisting of a minimum of three numbers, letters, or symbols per
combination, and that is not listed on the Department of Justice Roster of Firearm Safety
Devices. (PC § 12087.6).
No person shall keep for commercial sale, commercially sell, or distribute as part of an
organized firearm safety program, any firearms safety device (other than a long-gun safe)
that is not listed on the Department of Justice roster of approved firearms safety devices.
Any sale of a long gun safe must be accompanied by a specified warning label. (Penal
Code § 12088.1.)
The Department of Justice Roster of Firearm Safety Devices may be accessed on the
Department of Justice website at http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/fsdcertlist.htm.
Firearm sales and transfers are exempt from the requirement to provide a firearm safety
device if either of the following is true:
- The purchaser demonstrates proof that he or she owns a gun safe that meets the
standards set forth in Department of Justice regulations adopted under Penal
Code section 12088.2 by signing an affidavit to that effect.
- The purchaser presents an approved safety device for the firearm being
purchased and provides to the firearms dealer an original receipt showing the
purchase took place no more than 30 days prior to picking up the firearm.
- The purchaser presents a receipt for a Department of Justice-approved lock
box and signs an affidavit (provided by the firearms dealer) that describes the
make and model of the lock box and that the lock box will accommodate the
firearm being purchased.
Firearm safety device requirements in general do not apply to the commerce of “antique
firearms” as defined in subsection (a) of Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code
nor do they apply to the commerce of any firearm intended to be used by a salaried,
full-time peace officer as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3
of Part 2 of the Penal Code for purposes of law enforcement. (Penal Code § 12088.8.)


California Firearms Laws 2006

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ADDENDUM - SUMMARY OF NEW LAWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1. PROHIBITED FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AND RELATED DEVICES . . . 6

California Firearms Laws 2006 i

2. PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO POSSESS FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION . 21

3. THE USE OF FIREARMS IN DEFENSE OF LIFE AND PROPERTY . . . . . 30

4. POSSESSION AND TRANSPORTATION OF CONCEALED WEAPONS . . 32

ii California Firearms Laws 2006

8. SALES, LOANS, AND OTHER TRANSFERS OF FIREARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

10. OTHER PROHIBITED ACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

California Firearms Laws 2006 iii

11. FIREARM SAFETY INSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

12. FIREARM SAFETY DEVICE REQUIREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

iv California Firearms Laws 2006

Additional information regarding firearms laws and updated information

SB 48 (Stats. 2005, ch. 681) (Scott)

C Changes provisions that traditionally have protected persons, corporations, or

C Allows ammunition vendors to sell ammunition or reloaded ammunition that can

California Firearms Laws 2006 1

C Exempts from unsafe handgun testing, as specified, single-shot pistols with a

AB 86 (Stats. 2005, ch. 167) (Levine)

C Requires local law enforcement entry of lost or stolen non-serialized property

AB 88 (Stats. 2005, ch. 690) (Koretz)

AB 1060 (Stats. 2005, ch. 715) (Liu)

C Requires law enforcement agencies to report information related to firearms held

2 California Firearms Laws 2006

C Requires that effective January 1, 2006, no semiautomatic center-fire pistol model

California Firearms Laws 2006 3

California Firearms Laws 2006 5

1. PROHIBITED FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AND RELATED DEVICES

It is unlawful for any person to commercially manufacture or cause to be commercially

A short-barreled shotgun means a firearm designed or redesigned to fire a fixed shotgun

6 California Firearms Laws 2006

A camouflaging firearm container means a container designed to enclose a firearm,

California Firearms Laws 2006 7

A multiburst trigger activator means a device designed or redesigned to be attached to a

A metal knuckle means a device or instrument made wholly or partially of metal to be

8 California Firearms Laws 2006

A shuriken means an instrument without handles consisting of metal having three or

A metal military practice handgrenade or metal replica handgrenade means a device

California Firearms Laws 2006 9

10 California Firearms Laws 2006

Assault Weapons and .50 BMG Rifles

California Firearms Laws 2006 11

12 California Firearms Laws 2006

California Firearms Laws 2006 13

The following definitions shall apply relative to defining assault weapons:

14 California Firearms Laws 2006

California Firearms Laws 2006 15

AR-15 Series Weapons

* Required to be registered on or before March 31, 1992

16 California Firearms Laws 2006

California Firearms Laws 2006 17

It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, or knowingly possess or transport

18 California Firearms Laws 2006

Handgun ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or armor means any

Larger Caliber Weapons and Tracer Ammunition

It is unlawful to possess any of the following:

California Firearms Laws 2006 19

A silencer is defined as a device designed, used, or intended for use in silencing,

20 California Firearms Laws 2006

2. PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO POSSESS FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

Persons Convicted of Felonies or Other Specified Crimes

California Firearms Laws 2006 21